Safety Review Launched After Tragic Incident A safety review was launched after the death of 21-year-old Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal youth player. Vigar died after sustaining a "significant brain injury" while playing for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley FC in September 2025. He collided with a concrete wall, causing the injury.

New Safety Measures Introduced The review has resulted in new safety measures being introduced. The Football Association no longer permits solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers around pitches across the National League system for men [steps 1-6], and the Women's National League [tiers 3-4]. Existing barriers must be removed or covered with suitable protection if removal is not possible.

Funding Provided for Changes The FA and Premier League will provide funding to facilitate the changes. This move aims to improve player safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Background to the Ban A petition calling for a ban on brick walls around football pitches has received over 4,000 signatures. The government and the Professional Footballers' Association wrote to the FA, Premier League, English Football League and National League in June 2023, calling for a more proactive approach to player safety. This came after Alex Fletcher suffered a fractured skull in November 2022, colliding with a concrete advertising hoarding during a match.

Conclusion The ban on solid perimeter walls is a significant step towards improving player safety in football. It is hoped that this move will prevent similar incidents and protect players from harm.