Manchester United reviews Old Trafford perimeter for safety concerns

Manchester United has opened a review of the perimeter around the Old Trafford pitch to reduce the risk of player injury, the club said, following renewed concerns after a recent fatal incident at another ground. The club confirmed this week that it will examine ways to lessen hazards posed by the raised pitch, surrounding ditch and the brickwork and rubber footpath in front of advertising hoardings that separate the playing surface from spectators.

The Football Association said it will carry out an immediate safety review in the wake of the death last month of 21 year old Billy Vigar, a former Arsenal youth player, who sustained a serious brain injury while playing for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley. It is reported that Vigar collided with a concrete wall at the Maurice Rebak Stadium; Wingate and Finchley have since demolished the wall and begun work to improve safety around their pitch. A petition calling for the removal of brick walls around pitches gathered more than 4,000 signatures.

At a recent fans forum, a supporter highlighted a wider pattern of injuries in the Premier League caused when players strike advertising hoardings at speed and asked whether Old...