Mikel Arteta sends emotional message after death of former Arsenal forward Billy Vigar

Mikel Arteta sent his condolences to the family of former Arsenal youngster Billy Vigar, who died on Thursday. The 21-year-old passed away after suffering a 'significant' brain injury during a match last weekend.

Vigar played for the Gunners under-18 and under-21s sides before departing the club last summer for Hastings United on a free transfer. It was in a game for Chichester City that the striker suffered an injury after being widely reported to have collided with a concrete wall attempting to keep the ball in play.

The young forward was taken to hospital and placed into an induced coma following the incident, and underwent surgery on Tuesday, but tragically passed away on Thursday.

READ MORE: PFA demands investigation after Billy Vigar's tragic death at 21

READ MORE: Match cancelled over stadium safety concerns after former Arsenal striker's death

And Arteta has expressed his shock at discovering the news about Arsenal's former academy ace. "Well, it's shocking news, when I got it yesterday, obviously.

"So straight away thinking about the family and how difficult it is to go through something like this in a very unexpected way as well. And hopefully they will dig in and understand what happened, why it happened and try to avoid these kind of things. But really sad news, and our full support with the family and our thoughts with all the loved ones."

Arsenal earlier paid their own tribute to Vigar. They wrote: "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away.

"All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time. Rest in peace, Billy."

In the aftermath of Vigar's death, calls have been made to launch an investigation. The PFA’s chief executive Maheta Molango said in a statement it was vital to ensure “opportunities to make grounds safer for players have not been missed”.

“All footballers should expect to be safe when they go out to play or train, and to not be put at unnecessary and avoidable risk by factors beyond their control," he said.

Dorking Wanderers owner Mark White has labelled the surroundings of many pitches as dangerous and called for action to be taken. "All clubs need @FA to instruct an immediate enquiry into pitch surrounds," he said on X.

"Many are dangerous and players always have to be cautious given the proximity from the pitch. But some simply do not move and are lethal. These need removing immediately."

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