A coroner has requested that a police investigation into the death of young footballer Billy Vigar be expanded to examine contact between players during the match. Vigar, a 21-year-old forward for Chichester City, suffered a catastrophic brain injury after colliding with a concrete barrier while attempting to keep the ball in play.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The accident occurred during a match at the Wingate and Finchley ground on September 20. Vigar was rushed to St Mary's Hospital in Westminster, where he was placed in an induced coma. Tragically, he passed away on September 25.
At a hearing at Barnet Coroner's Court on Tuesday, senior coroner Andrew Walker formally asked the Metropolitan Police to broaden its investigation. "What I would like the investigation to cover is the nature of the contact between the two players involved," Mr Walker stated. The court was not provided with further details behind this specific request.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Actions
Detective Sergeant Colin Chandler, appearing via video link, confirmed the Met's investigation is ongoing with further lines of inquiry to pursue. Simultaneously, a health and safety investigation led by Barnet Council is underway.
Environmental health manager Obi Oranu told the court the council had used its powers to obtain footage of the incident. Crucially, when questioned by the coroner, Mr Oranu confirmed that the concrete wall Vigar struck has now been removed, making the ground safe for play. The council's investigation is expected to conclude in early January.
Calls for a Full Inquiry and Wider Context
Ben Wright, representing the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), emphasised the need for a "full and formal" investigation. "We're very keen... that there is a full and formal investigation into the circumstances around Billy's death," he said, noting this is an issue the PFA has worked on for years.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over pitch perimeter safety in football. Just days before Vigar's accident, on September 19, the Football Association announced a review of such safety measures, but it has faced criticism for slow action. This follows the serious injury of former Bath City player Alex Fletcher, who fractured his skull on a concrete-reinforced advertising board in 2022.
Addressing Vigar's family, who attended the hearing, Coroner Andrew Walker acknowledged the process would not be short, stating, "There are a lot of steps and I'm anxious that each step is taken carefully." A new date for the inquest will be set once the council's investigation timeline is clear.
