Former Arsenal academy star left in induced coma after suffering ‘significant brain injury’

Former Arsenal forward Billy Vigar is in an induced coma after suffering a head injury during a match for his current club Chichester City.

The non-league side confirmed that the 21-year-old, who was part of the Gunners’ Under 21 side up until last year, sustained a ‘significant brain injury’ and is receiving the ‘best possible treatment’.

Vigar joined the Step 3 side from Hastings this summer and was playing for City last weekend against Wingate & Finchley when he collided with a concrete wall while trying to keep the ball in play. 

Reports claim that the forward’s momentum saw his head make contact with the wall as his body turned after sliding to reach the ball. 

Two days after the incident, Chichester released a statement on social media in which they updated supporters on the player’s worrying condition. 

‘It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery ahead. Love from the whole of the CCFC family Billy.’

Tributes have poured in from across non-league,with Cray Valley FC writing: ‘Best wishes to Billy, our thoughts are with him.’

Dulwich Hamlet FC wrote: ‘The thoughts of everyone at Champion Hill are with Billy, his family, his friends and everyone at Chichester City.’

Vigar was a prominent player for Arsenal’s youth sides, featuring heavily for the U18s and their Premier League 2 side. 

During the 2021-22 campaign, he contributed four goals and two assists for the U18s roster. Vigar joined Arsenal in December 2017 when he was just 14 and signed his first professional contract with the north London club five years later. 

Despite his starring contributions for the Gunners’ junior rosters he was never able to make an appearance for Mikel Arteta’s senior squad.