No replay for match following footballer's death

A football match that led to the death of a former Arsenal youth player will not be replayed, a league has announced.

Chichester City striker Billy Vigar died after sustaining a "significant brain injury" during the game at Wingate and Finchley in September.

It is thought the injury was caused when he collided with a concrete wall.

The match was abandoned without any goals being scored, in circumstances the Isthmian League described as "tragic" and "truly exceptional".

The league said its board had decided that the original match stands as completed.

"It will not be replayed, and the league table will be updated by the league accordingly," it added.

League chair Nick Robinson added: "This has been one of the most difficult decisions we have been faced with.

"As usual, we will not please everyone, but we hope to have made a decision which the majority will accept."

Investigations into the incident are still taking place.

Senior coroner Andrew Walker asked the Metropolitan Police in December to ensure "the nature of the contact between the two players involved" was covered in its investigation.

The FA previously said it would review the safety of perimeter walls and boundaries around pitches in the lower leagues.

A petition calling for a ban on brick walls around football pitches was launched after Vigar's death.

Vigar, who was born in Worthing, was a graduate of the Arsenal academy, leaving the club in 2024.

He also had spells at Derby County, Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United.

Tributes for Vigar poured in from fans and clubs when he died several days after being placed in an induced coma.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.