Rayo Vallecano faced a turbulent return to their home ground on Saturday after a 147-day hiatus, with an impactful protest leading to the abandonment of their match against Athletic Club. Just 24 minutes and 56 seconds into the game, play was suspended as supporters unleashed thousands of paper planes onto the pitch, expressing their dissatisfaction with club president Raúl Martín Presa. The match was halted after only 13 minutes of actual football, during which a banner and flyers detailed their grievances against Presa, emphasizing their demand for his resignation.
Read More
This protest comes in the wake of Rayo’s difficulties since they had to leave their stadium for five months due to safety concerns. The last time they played a league match there was in May, which concluded with a victory over Villarreal. Their subsequent achievements, including reaching a European final, were overshadowed by internal turmoil: manager Iñigo Pérez departed, and long-time captain Óscar Trejo retired amid disputes regarding club management.
Presa had expressed anger towards the Madrid government for suspending their use of the ground due to maintenance issues, which he blamed for the club’s declining fortunes. Fans, however, were well aware of the deterioration, having voiced their concerns for years. They felt justified to finally be heard as they gathered to support their cause in large numbers, chanting and waving banners during the match.
The planned protest reached a peak in the 13th minute when supporters chanted, “Presa, go now!” and began launching their paper planes. The referee, José María Sánchez Martínez, paused the match to allow for the field to be cleared, but on resuming, more planes descended after a corner kick was taken shortly after the game restarted.
Ultimately, after further disruption, the match was called off after 49 minutes. Rayo’s players left the field to applause from their fans, underscoring a shared sense of purpose and solidarity amid the escalating crisis at the club. Athletic Club's players remained on the pitch during the stoppage, showing support for their counterparts.
Rayo’s supporters' association issued a statement labeling the situation as an inevitable consequence of prolonged neglect and mismanagement, urging Presa to step down for the sake of the club's future. The protesting fans emphasized that the situation had reached a breaking point and demanded management that aligns with the club’s values and the community’s needs. Captain Óscar Valentín echoed this sentiment, urging the need to unite and address the fans' frustrations to ensure a brighter future for Rayo Vallecano.