Rayo Vallecano-Athletic Club Abandoned After Vallecas Fan Protests
La Liga has confirmed Rayo Vallecano’s match with Athletic Club will not be completed on Sunday after the game was stopped amid supporter protests at Vallecas.
What we know
- The match was abandoned after only 13 minutes of playing time. Home fans threw marbles and paper aeroplanes carrying anti-board messages onto the pitch.
- There were two earlier interruptions before officials ended the fixture. Police could not guarantee safety inside the stadium.
- Rayo supporters celebrated the decision, singing “La Vida Pirata” and applauding Athletic’s players. President Raul Martin Presa left without speaking publicly.
- The supporters’ platform said the action followed years of anger over stadium management, concessions and Rayo’s temporary relocation to Butarque. Its message was clear: “Presa, leave now.”
- Ivan Balliu and other Rayo players spoke with supporters outside the ground and said the squad understood their concerns. Inaki Williams said Athletic’s players had been left unsure about events during the disruption.
- Athletic have returned to Bilbao and will refund all travelling fans. La Liga has condemned the incidents.
What happens next
Spanish football authorities will set a new date for the fixture, which is expected to be played behind closed doors. Rayo could also face a one-to-three-match stadium ban from the RFEF Disciplinary Committee.
Benat San Jose’s squad will train on Sunday before turning attention to the away derby against Getafe on 19 October. Rayo are awaiting the formal disciplinary decision.
