Rayo Vallecano game abandoned after paper plane protest

What the report says

Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga match against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday after home supporters repeatedly threw paper airplanes and rubber balls onto the pitch in protest at club owner and president Raul Martin Presa, BBC Sport Football reported. The game, played at Vallecas in Madrid, was Rayo’s first home fixture of the season after the stadium had been temporarily closed following an audit that found serious health and safety problems.

According to BBC Sport Football, fans have long criticised Presa over the club’s facilities and slow modernisation. The protest began in the 13th minute, when supporters launched the objects while also backing their regular “Presa leave now” chant. The referee stopped play, and the stadium announcer asked fans not to throw anything onto the field. After a 15-minute pause and cleanup, the same section of supporters threw more items, leading the referee to call the match off with the score still 0-0.

Athletic Club said it would help arrange refunds for travelling fans. The report also noted broader concerns around Rayo’s off-field conditions, including past complaints about the pitch, showers and training-ground upkeep, as well as the club’s difficulties with ticketing and matchday access. Rayo were 13th in La Liga after seven games, underlining that the dispute comes amid an already difficult period for the club.