Chaos Erupts: Rayo Vallecano Match Abandoned Amidst Fiery Fan Protests Against Owner

A La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday following repeated protests by home supporters against Rayo's owner and president, Raul Martin Presa. The game, which was Rayo's first of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas, was halted in the 13th minute when fans threw paper planes and small rubber balls onto the pitch. This act coincided with the usual time Rayo fans chant “Presa leave now,” a direct expression of their long-standing discontent.

The Estadio de Vallecas had only recently reopened after a temporary closure due to a pre-season audit that uncovered severe health and safety concerns, including a risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease. Fans directly blame Martin Presa for these issues, citing a history of poor facility upkeep and a failure to modernize the club. The stadium announcer urged fans to cease throwing objects, and stewards swiftly cleared the pitch. However, after play resumed approximately 15 minutes later, supporters in the south stand once again began throwing objects, prompting the referee to abandon the goalless match.

Following the abandonment, Athletic Club confirmed it would contact its fans who had traveled to Madrid to arrange refunds for their tickets. The protests extended beyond thrown objects, with Rayo fans displaying scarves bearing the message “Presa leave now.” Criticism against Martin Presa is well-documented; last season, the Spanish football association publicized a letter from Rayo's players describing the Vallecas pitch as “unplayable” and highlighting issues such as a lack of hot water in showers and inadequate cleaning. Furthermore, the club began the previous season unable to use its own training ground due to mould. Despite these internal struggles, Rayo remarkably reached the final of the Uefa Conference League last season, ultimately losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Supporters also face significant practical inconveniences, often queuing for hours at the stadium’s small box office to purchase tickets, as Rayo remains the sole top-flight Spanish club without a ticketing website. Currently, Rayo sits 13th in La Liga with two wins from their first seven games.