Rayo Vallecano game abandoned after paper plane protest

Rayo Vallecano's match against Athletic Club was called off on Saturday after protesting home fans began tossing paper planes and rubber balls onto the pitch. This occurred during the 13th minute of the game, which marked Rayo's inaugural La Liga fixture of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas. The stadium had recently been closed for safety inspections due to health and safety concerns, including a potential Legionnaires disease risk.

Rayo fans hold owner and president Raul Martin Presa responsible for the venue's poor maintenance and lack of modernization. After the 13th minute, Rayo resumed play 15 minutes later, but the game remained goalless as supporters in the south stand once again disrupted play. Athletic Club subsequently offered to reimburse their traveling supporters for the ticketed match.

Last season, Rayo's players expressed dissatisfaction with the Vallecas pitch, highlighting the lack of hot water in showers, inadequate cleaning, and the inability to use their own training ground due to mold issues. Despite these grievances, Rayo managed to reach the Uefa Conference League final, where they lost to Crystal Palace.

Rayo fans often face long queues to purchase tickets at the stadium's limited box office, as the club is the sole top-tier Spanish team without an official ticketing website. Currently, Rayo occupies the 13th position in La Liga following two wins out of their opening seven games.