FA Bans Concrete and Brick Pitchside Barriers Following Safety Review

The Football Association has introduced a ban on solid concrete, brick and breeze block pitchside barriers across non-league football following a safety review prompted by the death of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar.

Vigar, 21, died after sustaining a significant brain injury while playing for Chichester City during a match at Wingate & Finchley FC in September 2025. It is believed the injury occurred following a collision with a concrete wall.

The independent review, carried out by health and safety specialists ahead of the 2026-27 season, concluded that solid brick, breeze block and concrete barriers will no longer be permitted around pitches across the men’s National League system (Steps 1-6) and the Women’s National League (Tiers 3-4).

In a statement, the FA said: "Any existing solid brick, breeze block or concrete barriers must be removed as soon as reasonably practicable, or covered with suitable protection if they cannot be removed for structural reasons.

"We have informed the clubs at this level that will be required to take action as a result of these changes."

The FA confirmed that matches at affected venues can continue to be played, provided clubs regularly assess the safety of pitch perimeter barriers and implement any required changes within a reasonable timeframe.

To support the work, the FA and Premier League have committed funding to help clubs make the necessary modifications.

The announcement follows growing calls for improved player safety. A petition launched after Vigar’s death, calling for the removal of brick walls around football pitches, has attracted more than 4,000 signatures.

The issue had already been highlighted within the game following an incident involving Bath City’s Alex Fletcher, who suffered a fractured skull after colliding with a concrete advertising hoarding during a match in November 2022.

In June 2023, the Government and the Professional Footballers’ Association wrote to the FA, Premier League, English Football League and National League, urging a more proactive approach to managing risks associated with pitchside barriers.