Ex-Bath City Striker Claims Billy Vigar’s Death Was Entirely Preventable

Preventable Tragedy: Football Player’s Death Renews Safety Concerns

September 29, 2025

A 21-Year-Old Footballer, Billy Vigar, has died after sustaining a severe brain injury during a match for chichester City last Saturday. The incident has sparked a renewed outcry over player safety, especially concerning the presence of concrete walls in close proximity to playing surfaces.

Former professional striker Alex Fletcher, who himself was forced to retire from the game after a life-altering collision with concrete advertising hoardings, has labeled the tragedy as “entirely preventable.” Fletcher’s own harrowing experience, which left him in a coma for ten months, has made him a vocal advocate for improved safety standards in football.

Fletcher’s Urgent Plea for Change

Speaking to media outlets, Fletcher expressed profound frustration that previous warnings regarding this specific danger have seemingly been ignored by governing bodies. He fears that this devastating event will not be an isolated incident unless immediate action is taken. “It’s too little, too late,” Fletcher stated, questioning the impact of reactive measures after such a loss.

Fletcher currently serves in the brain health department of the Professional Footballers’ Association, dedicating his efforts to advocating for enhanced safety protocols throughout the sport. He believes that the current situation represents an “accident waiting to happen,” rather than a mere unfortunate incident.

The FA Responds with Safety Review

The Football Association has announced an “immediate safety review” of perimeter walls at grounds within the National league system. This review will focus on identifying potential risks and assisting clubs in implementing measures to mitigate those dangers. The FA stated it would investigate how to help clubs implement changes.

Though, Fletcher is skeptical that this response is sufficient. He questions whether a review,conducted after a life has been lost,provides meaningful comfort to the bereaved family and whether it adequately addresses the systemic issues at play.

A History of Concerns: Stadium safety in Lower Leagues

The issue of stadium safety, particularly at non-Premier League levels, has been a recurring concern for years.Limited funding often hinders clubs’ ability to invest in modern safety features, leading to the continuation of potentially hazardous infrastructure. according to a 2023 report by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority,approximately 30% of non-league grounds still feature areas where players are at risk from fixed structures.

Here’s a comparative look at typical safety features in different league levels:

League Level	Typical Perimeter Protection	Investment in Safety Features
Premier League	Soft Barriers, Ample Run-off Area	Significant (Millions of Pounds)
Championship	Mixed – Soft barriers and Concrete Walls	Moderate (Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds)
national League	Primarily Concrete Walls, Limited Run-Off	Limited (Frequently enough Reliant on Fundraising)

Did You Know? The Sports Grounds Safety Authority provides guidance and support to clubs across all levels but cannot enforce changes without adequate funding and legislative backing.

Do you believe enough is being done to protect players at all levels of the game? What changes would you like to see implemented immediately?

Long-Term Implications for Football Safety

This tragedy underscores the need for a holistic re-evaluation of safety standards across all levels of football. This includes not only physical infrastructure but also concussion protocols, medical support, and player education. The conversation is shifting towards a preventative approach, focusing on minimizing risk before incidents occur.

The long-term health of players is paramount, and governing bodies are facing increasing pressure to prioritize well-being over financial constraints. The implementation of standardized safety regulations and increased funding for smaller clubs could be crucial steps towards creating a safer habitat for all footballers.

Pro Tip: Always report any safety concerns at a ground to the club or league officials. Your vigilance could potentially prevent an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Safety

1. what is being done to address the risk of concrete walls near football pitches? the FA has launched a safety review focusing on perimeter walls in the National League system.
2. Is this a new issue in football? No, concerns about stadium safety have been raised for years, particularly at lower league levels.
3. What role does funding play in stadium safety? Limited funding often prevents clubs from investing in necessary safety improvements.
4. What can players do to raise safety concerns? players should report any safety concerns to club or league officials immediately.
5. What is the Professional footballers’ Association doing to improve safety? The PFA has a dedicated brain health department advocating for improved safety protocols.
6. What kind of safety features are typically found in higher leagues? Premier League stadiums generally feature soft barriers and ample run-off areas.
7. What are the long-term goals for football safety? The goal is to transition towards a preventative approach focused on minimizing risk through standardized regulations and increased investment.

Share your thoughts on this significant issue in the comments below.

What specific protocols were in place at Bath City regarding AED accessibility and response time prior to Billy Vigar’s collapse?

The shocking Allegations

Former Bath City striker, Scott Rendell, has made deeply concerning claims regarding the death of Billy Vigar, a promising young footballer who tragically passed away in july 2023. Rendell alleges that Vigar’s death, attributed to a cardiac arrest during a pre-season training session, was preventable wiht adequate medical provisions and a faster response time. These accusations are sparking a wider debate about player safety and the obligation of non-league football clubs regarding player welfare. The case has drawn attention to the often-overlooked risks faced by athletes at this level, where resources are frequently limited.

timeline of Events & Initial Findings

Billy Vigar, aged just 20, collapsed during a training drill at Twerton Park. Initial reports indicated immediate CPR was administered, and an ambulance was called.However, Rendell, who was present at the training session, paints a picture of disorganization and a critical delay in accessing advanced medical care.

* July 26,2023: Billy Vigar collapses during Bath City training.

* immediate response: CPR initiated by club personnel.

* Ambulance Arrival: importent delay reported by witnesses, including Rendell.

* hospital Transfer: Vigar transported to the Royal United Hospital in Bath.

* July 27, 2023: Billy Vigar pronounced dead. Initial cause of death cited as cardiac arrest.

The initial inquiry, conducted by the Somerset FA, concluded that while procedures were in place, the speed of response could have been improved. However, Rendell believes this assessment falls far short of addressing the core issues.

Rendell’s Specific Claims: A Lack of Preparedness?

Rendell’s detailed account, shared in interviews with local media and football forums, centers around several key points:

* Defibrillator Access: The nearest automated External Defibrillator (AED) wasn’t immediately accessible, requiring a delay to retrieve it. Rendell claims crucial minutes were lost searching for the device.

* Insufficiently Trained personnel: Concerns were raised about the level of frist aid training amongst the coaching staff and club volunteers. While CPR was initiated, Rendell questions the proficiency and confidence of those involved.

* Delayed Ambulance Response: Rendell alleges a significant delay in the arrival of the ambulance,attributing this to the location of Twerton Park and potential logistical challenges. He believes a faster response could have dramatically altered the outcome.

* Lack of On-site Medical Professional: Bath City, like many non-league clubs, does not employ a full-time doctor or paramedic at training sessions. This absence, Rendell argues, is a critical failing.

These claims are fueling calls for mandatory medical personnel at all levels of non-league football, and a review of emergency action plans across the National League system.

The Wider Context: Non-League Football & Player Safety

The tragedy of Billy vigar’s death highlights the inherent risks within non-league football. Clubs operate on limited budgets, often relying on volunteers and part-time staff. This can lead to compromises in areas like medical provision.

Key Challenges Facing Non-League Clubs:

* Financial Constraints: Limited funding restricts the ability to hire qualified medical staff.

* volunteer Reliance: Dependence on volunteers for essential roles, including first aid.

* Remote Locations: Many grounds are situated in areas with possibly slower ambulance response times.

* Awareness Gap: A potential lack of awareness regarding the importance of comprehensive emergency action plans.

What are Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)?

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a crucial document outlining procedures for responding to medical emergencies. A comprehensive EAP should include:

1. Emergency Contact Information: Clear details for all relevant personnel (club officials, medical professionals, emergency services).
2. AED Location & Maintenance: Precise location of AEDs and a schedule for regular maintenance checks.
3. First Aid Training Records: Documentation of first aid qualifications held by staff and volunteers.
4. Evacuation Procedures: Clear instructions for evacuating the ground in case of a major incident.
5. Dialog Protocols: Defined methods for communicating with emergency services and informing players/staff.

The FA’s Response & Future Recommendations

The Football Association (FA) has acknowledged the concerns raised by Rendell and the wider football community. They have announced a review of medical guidelines for non-league football, with a focus on:

* Mandatory First Aid Training: Increasing the minimum standard of first aid training required for coaches and volunteers.

* AED Accessibility: ensuring all clubs have readily accessible and well-maintained AEDs.

* Emergency Action Plan Audits: Conducting regular audits of clubs’ EAPs to ensure compliance.

* Promoting Best Practices: Sharing best practices and resources to help clubs improve their medical provision.

The Legal Implications & Potential inquiries

The allegations made by Scott rendell could potentially lead to further investigation. While the Somerset FA conducted an initial inquiry, a more formal investigation by the National League or even a coroner’s inquest could be launched. The focus would be on determining whether the club fulfilled its duty of care towards billy Vigar and whether any negligence contributed to his death. Legal