The Football Association (FA) has introduced new safety regulations banning brick and concrete pitchside barriers at certain levels of English football following the tragic death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.
The new measures come after Vigar, who played for Chichester City, died from a brain injury sustained during a match against Wingate and Finchley in north London in September 2025.
It is believed the 21-year-old suffered the fatal injury after colliding with a concrete barrier located close to the pitch.
Following the incident, the FA conducted a comprehensive safety review and has now issued updated guidance aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Under the new regulations, clubs competing in the National League System (Steps 1–6) and the Women’s National League (Tiers 3–4) are no longer permitted to have solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers surrounding their playing fields.
The FA said any existing hard barriers must either be removed as soon as reasonably possible or covered with suitable protective padding where removal is not structurally possible.
“Any existing solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons,” the FA said.
The football governing body added that clubs affected by the new policy have already been informed and will be expected to comply with the updated safety requirements.
The move is intended to improve player safety across lower-league football and reduce the risk of serious injuries during matches.
Billy Vigar’s death sparked widespread calls for improved safety standards around football pitches, with many within the football community urging authorities to review stadium infrastructure.
The FA’s latest decision marks a significant step towards enhancing player welfare across the English football pyramid.
Source: AFP.
