Match cancelled over safety concerns after former Arsenal striker's death at stadium

The match between Enfield Borough and the Clapton CFC has been postponed following the death of Billy Vigar. The former Arsenal forward suffered a 'significant' brain injury during a match for Chichester City in a game at the Maurice Rebak Stadium.

Vigar was taken to hospital and placed into an induced coma before undergoing surgery on Tuesday. Chichester confirmed their player had sadly passed away on Thursday.

The 21-year-old is believed to have been involved in a collision with a concrete wall as he attempted to keep the ball in play. Now, the next teams due to play at the ground where the incident occurred have postponed their match and called for changes to take place.

READ MORE: Billy Vigar's tragic death sparks new FA petition to demand immediate changes

READ MORE: Billy Vigar: Arsenal lead tributes to ex-player after tragic death aged 21

A statement from Clapton FC read: "Saturday’s game between Enfield Borough and the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team at the Maurice Rebak Stadium has been postponed. In light of the death of Billy Vigar after an incident at the ground last week, no one felt it appropriate to play just a few days later.

"Our condolences to Billy’s family and friends and his Chichester City team-mates. Action must be taken too on unsafe pitchside walls."

The tragic circumstances surrounding Vigar's death have led to calls for the FA to take action. Mark White, owner and manager of Dorking Wanderers, wants to see the surroundings of all pitches made safe.

"All clubs need @FA to instruct an immediate enquiry into pitch surrounds," he said on X. "Many are dangerous and players always have to be cautious given the proximity from the pitch. But some simply do not move and are lethal. These need removing immediately."

Tributes have poured in for Vigar as his club announced his untimely death. Their statement read: "After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma.

"On Tuesday he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning.

"The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved."

Chichester added: "Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club."

Arsenal, where Vigar came through the youth ranks until moving to Hastings United on a free transfer, shared a statement expressing their devastation. They wrote: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.

"All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."

Hastings United said: "All of us at Hastings United are devastated to learn of the passing of Billy Vigar. We will always remember Billy's time at Hastings United with fondness.

"Our thoughts are with Billy's family, friends at this time. Rest In Peace Billy"

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