Rayo Vallecano v Athletic abandoned after Vallecas paper‑plane protest
October 10, 2026 17:10
Rayo Vallecano's La Liga home match against Athletic Club at the Estadio de Vallecas was abandoned after home supporters repeatedly threw paper planes and small rubber balls on to the pitch in a protest directed at the club's owner and president, Raul Martin Presa.
In the 13th minute — when fans traditionally chant “Presa leave now” — objects were thrown and the referee halted play. The stadium announcer urged supporters not to throw items while stewards removed them and play resumed around 15 minutes later. Supporters in the south stand then threw objects on to the field again, and the referee abandoned the game with the score goalless.
Athletic Club later said it would contact its travelling supporters to arrange refunds.
KEY CONTEXT
- The match was Rayo’s first of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas after the ground had been temporarily closed following an audit that highlighted serious health and safety issues, including a risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
- Supporters have long criticised Raul Martin Presa over what they see as poor upkeep and a failure to modernise the club’s facilities.
- Last season Rayo players published a letter describing the Vallecas pitch as “unplayable” and citing problems such as a lack of hot water in the showers and inadequate cleaning. The team also began last season unable to use its own training ground because of mould.
- Despite off-field problems, Rayo reached the final of the Uefa Conference League last season, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
- Supporters regularly queue for hours to buy tickets at the stadium box office because Rayo is the only top-flight Spanish club without a ticketing website.