Rayo Vallecano vs Athletic Bilbao abandoned in chaos as fans protest against La Liga owner

Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao was abandoned on Saturday after home supporters threw paper planes and rubber balls onto the pitch in protest against controversial owner Raul Martin Presa.

The match, Rayo’s first home fixture of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas, was halted twice before the referee eventually called it off with the score goalless.

Stadium issue proves to be the tip of the iceberg

Relations between Presa and the club's supporters have been poor for several years now, but a serious health and safety issue at the Estadio de Vallecas, which was putting supporters at risk of Legionnaires’ disease, has tipped things over the edge.

Protests began in the 13th minute, when Rayo fans traditionally chant “Presa, leave now”. While these chants are often commonplace at Rayo matches, fans went a step further by throwing paper planes and small rubber balls onto the playing surface.

The referee stopped the game as stadium staff rushed to clear the objects, while an announcement urged supporters to refrain from throwing items onto the pitch. However, when play resumed around 15 minutes later, fans in the south stand repeated the protest, forcing the referee to abandon the match.

Athletic Club subsequently confirmed they would contact supporters who had travelled to Madrid to arrange ticket refunds.

Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club was abandoned this afternoon at Vallecas following Rayo fans' protests against the club owner 😮 Paper planes and rubber balls were thrown on to the pitch, and after a 15 minute pause and attempted restart, play couldn't continue ❌ https://t.co/ymYCn4RAAU

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 10, 2026

Rayo Supporters’ Anger Grows Over Stadium Conditions

The latest incident follows mounting concerns over conditions at Vallecas. Last season, Rayo’s players sent a letter describing the pitch as “unplayable”, while highlighting a lack of hot water in the showers and inadequate cleaning facilities.

The squad also began the previous campaign without access to their own training ground because of mould problems.

Despite those difficulties, Rayo enjoyed a memorable European run, reaching the UEFA Conference League final before losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Off the pitch, supporters continue to face lengthy queues to purchase tickets at the stadium’s small box office as Rayo remain the only club in Spain’s top flight without an online ticketing website.

FGG says: The overachievers

To say Rayo have overachieved in recent seasons, considering what they are up against all season, is an understatement. The lack of respect the owner has for his players and fans is clear for all to see, and the sooner he sells the club, the better for all involved.