Ex-Arsenal forward left in coma after suffering horrific brain injury mid-match

Former Arsenal striker Billy Vigar has been placed into an induced coma after suffering a horrific head injury. His condition was revealed in a statement issued by his club Chichester City.

The 21-year-old, who featured for the Gunners' U21s squad until last year before joining Hastings United on a free transfer, suffered the horrific accident whilst representing Step 3 outfit Chichester against Wingate and Finchley. Vigar collided with a concrete wall as he attempted to prevent the ball from crossing the touchline. The youngster's body twisted on the wet surface as he slid, causing his forehead to smash into the wall. Match officials immediately halted proceedings and summoned emergency services, with paramedics swiftly arriving at the ground.

Two days following the shocking incident, Chichester issued an update via their social media channels regarding the player's condition. The club stated: "Billy received a significant brain injury and is currently in an induced coma in intensive care receiving the best possible treatment.

"It is too early to say what the outcome will be and even if things go well, there will be a long road to recovery ahead. Love from the whole of the CCFC family Billy."

Numerous tributes poured in for the forward following the announcement. Non-league side Cray Valley FC posted: "Best wishes to Billy, our thoughts are with him."

Dulwich Hamlet FC also took to their social media page and wrote: "The thoughts of everyone at Champion Hill are with Billy, his family, his friends and everyone at Chichester City."

Brentwood Town FC also tweeted: "Our thoughts are with Billy and his family at this difficult and sensitive time. We're all wishing him strength and a full recovery. From all of us at Brentwood Town FC."

Vigar never featured in a first-team fixture for Mikel Arteta's squad but established himself as a key figure in their Under-18s and Premier League 2 teams. During the 2021-22 U18s Premier League season, he registered four goals and two assists for the young Gunners.

He arrived at Arsenal in December 2017 aged just 14 and penned his maiden professional deal with the Premier League giants in July 2022.

In his sole Premier League 2 campaign for the north London outfit, he managed one assist across four outings. The subsequent season saw him move on loan to Derby County U21s, where he featured nine times.