Rayo Vallecano's La Liga clash against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday following a fan protest at the Estadio de Vallecas. Home supporters threw paper planes and rubber balls onto the pitch, expressing their discontent with club owner and president Raul Martin Presa.
The match marked Rayo's first home game of the season, after the stadium had been temporarily closed due to an audit highlighting serious health and safety concerns, including a risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease. Fans have long criticised Presa for the poor upkeep of facilities and a perceived failure to modernise the club.
The initial protest occurred in the 13th minute, a time when Rayo fans typically chant "Presa leave now." After a 15-minute stoppage and an appeal from the stadium announcer, play resumed. However, supporters in the south stand again threw objects onto the field, prompting the referee to abandon the goalless game.
Following the abandonment, Athletic Club announced they would contact their fans who travelled to Madrid to arrange refunds.