The football community is grieving. Former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar has died after suffering a significant brain injury during a match.

Billy Vigar’s club, Chichester City, which plays in the semi-professional Isthmian League Premier Division, has confirmed that the former Arsenal youth player has passed away. He suffered a significant brain injury after colliding with a concrete wall in a match on Saturday.

Vigar was taken to the hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma. Despite having surgery, which aimed to help him recover, he died on Thursday morning. He was 21 years old.

“It is with great sadness that Chichester City Football Club has to confirm the passing of Billy Vigar,” the club said in a statement. “We request that his family’s privacy is respected at this most difficult time. Rest in peace Billy. Forever in the hearts of all at Chichester City Football Club.”

Vigar’s club, Chichester, has postponed Saturday’s scheduled match against Lewes. His family made a statement through the club.

“After sustaining a significant brain injury last Saturday, Billy Vigar was put in an induced coma. On Tuesday, he needed an operation to aid any chances of recovery. Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday (25th) morning,” Billy Vigar’s family said.

“The responses to the original update show how much Billy was thought of and loved within the sport. His family are devastated that this has happened whilst he was playing the sport that he loved.”

Rest in peace, Billy Vigar. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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