Rayo Vallecano's La Liga match against Athletic Club was called off in the first half on Saturday after fans launched paper airplanes onto the pitch in protest against president Raúl Martín Presa. The game marked Rayo's first match back at the Estadio de Vallecas in Madrid, following safety concerns that forced them to play their opening three home games at Leganes' Estadio Butarque.
Supporters blame Presa for neglecting the stadium and fear losing their home if the situation does not improve. They also accuse him of poor club management over several years. The match was first halted in the 13th minute as paper planes and rubber balls rained onto the playing surface. Play resumed for about 10 more minutes, but after the situation worsened, the referee ordered the players off with less than 30 minutes played.
Both teams returned intending to restart, but the officials decided to suspend the fixture. Rayo confirmed the decision was taken upon the recommendation of the police, as objects continued to be thrown onto the pitch and home fans chanted for Presa to resign.
The stadium has faced problems all year. A February match against Real Oviedo was postponed over pitch conditions, and the clash with Atlético Madrid was moved to Butarque. La Liga, working with the Community of Madrid, ruled Rayo could not play at Vallecas at the start of the new season due to fire-protection deficiencies, electrical and emergency lighting problems, hygiene issues and missing safety documentation. After completing the necessary work, Rayo were finally cleared to return home for Saturday's fixture with Athletic.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing