Madrid’s Vallecas district was meant to welcome Rayo Vallecano home after a spell away, but Saturday’s LaLiga meeting with Athletic Club was abandoned at 0-0 after repeated objects were thrown from the stands onto the pitch.
Key takeaways
- The eighth-round fixture was stopped permanently on Saturday, 10 October.
- Paper planes, small plastic balls and other debris were thrown onto the playing surface.
- The protest was directed at Rayo president Raúl Martín Presa.
- Referee José María Sánchez Martínez made several attempts to restart the match.
- Security authorities were involved before the final decision to abandon the game.
A tense return to Vallecas
Rayo had returned to their own ground after playing each of their previous three home fixtures at Butarque, but the occasion unfolded against a backdrop of supporter anger towards the Madrid club’s leadership.
The first major interruption came in the 13th minute, as Athletic prepared to take a corner. Objects began falling from the home sections while fans displayed a banner aimed at Presa: “Presa, the ball is in your court.” Chants against the club president continued during the stoppage.
Sánchez Martínez paused play so stadium staff could clear the field. Once the pitch had been cleaned, the players were sent back out and the match resumed.
Repeated incidents end the match
The restart did not last. More items were thrown onto the grass shortly afterwards, leading the referee to order both teams back to the dressing rooms. Supporters were warned that a further incident could bring the contest to an end.
There was another effort to continue the game, yet objects again landed on the pitch. Sánchez Martínez then spoke with the coaches and captains as security officials assessed the situation.
With the score still goalless, the referee ultimately called off Rayo Vallecano’s match against Athletic Club.
