Rayo Vallecano Match Abandoned Amidst Fan Protest Against Club Owner

Rayo Vallecano's La Liga match against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday after home fans staged a protest against the club's owner, Raul Martin Presa, by throwing paper planes and rubber balls onto the pitch. The game, the first of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas, had only recently reopened after a temporary closure due to health and safety concerns.

Fans have long criticized Presa for the poor upkeep of the stadium facilities and a perceived failure to modernize the club. The protest intensified in the 13th minute, a point in the game when supporters typically chant for Presa's departure.

Play was initially stopped as supporters launched paper planes and small rubber balls onto the field. The referee halted the match, and stadium announcements urged fans to cease throwing objects. Stewards then moved to clear the items from the grass. When play resumed approximately 15 minutes later, fans in the south stand continued the protest by throwing more objects onto the field, prompting the referee to abandon the game with the score at 0-0.

Following the abandonment, Athletic Club stated that they would be arranging refunds for their traveling supporters who had made the trip to Madrid.