Rayo La Liga match abandoned after fan protests

Rayo Vallecano's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao was abruptly halted on Saturday due to fan protests at the Vallecas stadium. The game, which marked the team's inaugural La Liga appearance this season, saw Rayo fans throw paper planes, rubber balls, and other objects onto the pitch in the 13th minute. The referee promptly halted play and led the players to the dressing rooms.

Once the teams returned to resume the match, the demonstrators continued their disruptive actions, leading to the eventual abandonment of the game with a score of zero-all.

The discontent among the fans is directed at club president Raul Martin Presa, as well as the state of the stadium and its training facilities. Rayo had to play their first three home matches this season at Butarque stadium in Leganés after their own ground necessitated urgent safety repairs. The Vallecas stadium has been neglected during Rayo's lease of the facility, with the Madrid regional government currently pursuing the termination of that agreement.

During the previous season, Rayo played a single league match at Butarque due to the poor condition of the Vallecas pitch.