A young British soccer player, once in the Arsenal academy, died on Thursday after suffering “a significant brain injury” during a match over the weekend, his club announced.
Chichester City FC’s Billy Vigar, 21, was severely injured this past Saturday during the club’s match at Wingate & Finchley FC.
“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,” according to a Chichester City FC statement.
“Although this helped, the injury proved too much for him and he passed away on Thursday morning.”
Chichester City FC is a semi-professional club playing in the Isthmian League, the seventh tier of British football.
Vigar came up through Arsenal’s academy, joining that organization when he was 14 in late 2017.
“As well as his significant talent, Billy will always be remembered for his love of the game, pride at representing our football club — he once called the day he was spotted by our scouts as ’the most Important of his life’ — and a character beloved by teammates and coaches alike,” the Premier League side Arsenal said in a statement on Thursday.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Vigar family and his many friends at this extremely difficult time.”
The injury happened early in Saturday’s match at Maurice Rebak Stadium, home of Wingate & Finchley FC, before the contest was called off after just 13 minutes of the 90.
“Everybody connected with Wingate & Finchley FC send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Billy Vigar following his tragic passing,” the club said.
“Like the rest of the football family and community, the club is in shock at the death of a talented young man.”
Fans at Isthmian League matches this weekend will be asked to observe a minute of silence before kickoff to honor Vigar. All players in the league will don black armbands this weekend.
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