Paper jets in Madrid: Rayo Vallecano stops the match

On Saturday afternoon, the match between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao was permanently stopped by the referee after Rayo supporters, angry at the president, threw paper planes, rubber balls and even a sandwich onto the pitch.

Paper planes, balls and sandwiches on the grass

The supporters of the Madrid club flooded the pitch with paper, rubber, sandwiches and even a seat, causing an interruption in the thirteenth minute. Chants were heard, notably “Presa, get out right away!”, directed at the leader. The scene quickly escalated, forcing the players to leave the field of play.

After about ten minutes of hesitation and consultation with the authorities present, the referee judged that the safety of the players was no longer guaranteed.

Decision to stop and postpone the match

He therefore decided to permanently stop the game, announcing that the fixture would be rescheduled for a later date. The Basque side, who came to greet their supporters hoping to win the match and climb the table where they sit in tenth place, had to leave.

Nico Williams and his teammates went to the airport to return to Bilbao. The club announced the refund of tickets purchased in the external parking of Vallecas.

The federation of Rayo Vallecano supporters issued a statement explaining that the protest reflects the frustration of thousands of season ticket holders after years of disastrous management by Raul Martin Presa. The breaking point occurred on July 28, when the club lost the concession of the Vallecas stadium, forcing supporters into a two‑month exile to Butarque in Leganés, without the possibility of claiming the money that was due to them.

“We will continue to fight,” the fans said, recalling the many examples of discontent. La Liga strongly condemned this type of behaviour, describing it as a danger to safety and an obstacle to the proper conduct of the competition.