Rayo Vallecano fans protest against the club president, force stoppage to game against Bilbao

Madrid (AP) — Rayo Vallecano supporters disrupted their team's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday by tossing paper airplanes onto the field, jeopardizing the game's continuation. The discontent stemmed from their dissatisfaction with club owner and president Raúl Martín Presa's management. The match ground to a halt in the 13th minute as Rayo players exited the pitch, and the stadium announcer announced a potential suspension if protests persisted.

However, the game resumed briefly before being halted again. After leaving the field, fans chanted against Presa, marking Rayo's inaugural home league game since stadium authorities closed the venue due to safety concerns. This was preceded by Rayo playing away matches following a loss of their stadium license due to unsafe conditions.

Fan chants against Presa were also heard during a friendly match at the stadium the previous week, with graffiti reading "Presa, leave now" scrawled on the presidential box. Region's sports minister Mariano de Paco had previously urged calm, stating on social media that "Rayo will receive the stadium it deserves. Have faith."