Rayo Vallecano match abandoned after fans protest owner
Rayo's home match against Athletic Club was called off when fans threw objects to protest owner Raul Martin Presa.
Rayo Vallecano's La Liga game against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday after home fans threw paper planes and rubber balls to protest against owner Raul Martin Presa. The match was goalless when stopped.
The game was Rayo's first at the Estadio de Vallecas since the stadium was temporarily closed due to serious health and safety risks, including a risk of Legionnaires' disease. In the 13th minute, when fans chant "Presa leave now", supporters began throwing objects.
After stewards cleared the pitch, play resumed. But fans in the south stand threw items again.
The referee abandoned the game. Presa has faced long criticism for poor facility upkeep and failure to modernise the club.
Last season, Rayo players called the pitch unplayable and complained of no hot water in showers.
- Raul Martin Presa
- Owner
- Paper planes and rubber balls
- Objects thrown
- Goalless
- Final score
Why it mattersThe abandonment shows how fan anger can force La Liga to take action on a club's infrastructure failures.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the story highlights how European football clubs can operate with serious facility problems.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 59 min ago
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