English FA Bans Concrete Pitch-Side Barriers After Billy Vigar’s Death

The English Football Association has introduced strict new safety regulations prohibiting the use of solid concrete, brick, or hollow-block barriers around football pitches across England’s National League system. The move follows the fatal injury sustained by 21-year-old Chester City forward Billy Vigar during a match in September 2025.

What caused Vigar’s fatal injury

Vigar suffered a severe brain injury while playing against Wingate & Finchley in the regional Isthmian League. Investigations indicate the injury resulted from impact with a concrete barrier located pitch-side.

Scope of the new safety directive

The updated guidelines apply to men’s clubs competing in tiers one through six of the National League system and women’s clubs in tiers three and four of the Women’s National League. Under the directive, barriers constructed from brick, hollow concrete block, or poured concrete are now strictly prohibited.

In its official statement, the FA mandated that clubs remove such solid barriers as soon as possible. Where structural constraints make full removal impractical, clubs must install appropriate protective padding or shielding. The FA emphasized that compliance is immediate and mandatory to safeguard players and prevent recurrence of similar incidents.