Rayo Vallecano match abandoned after fans throw objects

Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao was abandoned on Saturday after home supporters repeatedly threw objects onto the pitch at Vallecas stadium in protest against club president Raul Martin Presa. The match was goalless when it was called off.

The disruption began in the 13th minute, when fans threw paper aeroplanes, rubber balls and other objects onto the playing surface. The referee paused the match and sent the players to the dressing rooms.

Both teams later returned to resume play, but objects continued to land on the field. The match was then abandoned, bringing an early end to Rayo’s first La Liga fixture at Vallecas this season.

Protest follows return to Vallecas

The match had brought Rayo back to their stadium after three previous home fixtures this season were played at Leganes’s Butarque stadium. Vallecas had required urgent repairs because of what were described as “serious deficiencies” concerning safety.

The protest was directed at Presa, with fans displaying a banner reading “Presa, go away”. Supporters and players have protested against the way the club is being run, as well as the condition of the stadium and Rayo’s training facilities.

Saturday’s interruption first left the teams waiting in the dressing rooms while play was suspended. Their return to the pitch did not settle the situation: supporters continued throwing objects, and the fixture could not be completed.

Stadium concerns remain

Last season, Rayo played one league match at Butarque because the Vallecas pitch was not in a state to play on.

Vallecas has been poorly maintained during Rayo’s lease of the ground, and Madrid’s regional government is in the process of terminating that deal. The safety concerns that led to this season’s move to Butarque had already kept Rayo away from Vallecas for three home matches before Saturday’s return.

The Athletic Bilbao fixture was abandoned with neither side having scored.