Mikel Arteta pays tribute to former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar following death

Mikel Arteta has extended his condolences to the family of former Arsenal youth player Billy Vigar, who tragically passed away on Thursday. The 21-year-old suffered a 'significant' brain injury during a match last weekend and sadly did not recover.

Vigar had represented Arsenal's under-18 and under-21 teams before moving to Hastings United on a free transfer last summer. It was during a match for Chichester City that the young striker sustained his injury, reportedly colliding with a concrete wall in an attempt to keep the ball in play.

Following the incident, Vigar was rushed to hospital and placed into an induced coma. He underwent surgery on Tuesday but tragically passed away on Thursday.

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Arteta expressed his shock upon hearing the news about the former Gunners academy star. He said: "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."

Arsenalalso paid tribute to Vigar. "Everyone at Arsenal is devastated by the shocking news that former academy graduate Billy Vigar has passed away," a club tribute read.

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

Following the tragic passing of Vigar, there have been calls for an inquiry. The PFA's chief executive, Maheta Molango, emphasised in a statement the importance of ensuring "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 stated.