English football’s major competitions are examining the safety of pitchside barriers following the death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar. New checks across the Premier League, EFL and women’s leagues could lead to further safety measures beyond the restrictions already introduced in non-league football.
The Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and Women’s Super League (WSL) are reviewing pitch perimeter safety following the death of Billy Vigar, who suffered a fatal brain injury after colliding with a concrete wall during a match in September 2025. The 21-year-old was playing for Chichester City against Wingate & Finchley when the incident occurred. He died five days later, prompting renewed questions about the safety standards applied to football grounds across England.
The Premier League has surveyed its clubs about the materials used around pitches and the available run-off distance. It has also shared findings from the Football Association’s safety review. The EFL conducted its own assessment at the beginning of 2026, collecting information on perimeter structures, surfaces, gradients, distances from the playing area and potential trip hazards. Clubs identified as having higher-risk arrangements have been advised to carry out specific health and safety assessments.
FA introduces new restrictions
The FA introduced revised stadium criteria for the 2026-27 season, prohibiting solid brick, breeze-block and concrete barriers around pitches in the men's National League System and Women's National League. Where structural walls cannot be removed, clubs must provide suitable protective covering. The FA and Premier League have also committed funding to help affected clubs make the necessary changes.
An update shared with the Football Supporters' Association in October revealed that more than 900 grounds had been assessed, with around 160 identified as requiring further attention. A £5m funding programme was also outlined. However, the new restrictions do not automatically extend to the Premier League and EFL, making their separate reviews significant.g
Vigar’s parents, Keith and Camilla, have criticised the authorities, telling BBC Sport that they believe earlier action could have prevented their son's death. A police investigation is still under way. At a pre-inquest review hearing on 12 November, Detective Superintendent Colin Chandler said investigators expected to need another two to three months to complete their work. A further hearing is scheduled for 10 February.
