Rayo-Athletic suspended after paper plane protest

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  Sam MarsdenOct 10, 2026, 09:57 AM ET

Rayo Vallecano's LaLiga game against Athletic Club was called off in the first half on Saturday after fans launched paper airplanes on to the pitch in protest at president Raúl Martín Presa.

The match marked Rayo's first game back at the Estadio de Vallecas after safety concerns 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, while they also accuse him of poor club management over a number of years.

The game against Athletic was first briefly halted in the 13th-minute as paper planes and rubber balls began to be thrown on to the playing surface.

Play was then able to resume for another 10 minutes, but after the situation worsened, the referee ordered the players off the pitch with less than 30 minutes played.

Both teams reemerged with the intention of restarting the match, but it did not prove possible, with the officials deciding to suspend the fixture.

Rayo confirmed shortly after that the decision had been taken "upon the recommendation of the police" as objects continued to be chucked on to the pitch as the home fans chanted for Presa to resign.

There have been problems with the Estadio de Vallecas all year.

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February's LaLiga game between Rayo and Real Oviedo was postponed due to concerns over player safety due to the state of the pitch, with the match against Atlético Madrid, a week later, moved to Butarque.

Rayo were then able to finish the 2025-26 campaign at their home stadium, but LaLiga, in colloboration with the Community of Madrid, ruled they could not play there at the start of the new season due to continue issues.

They related to fire-protection deficiencies, electrical-installation issues, emergency lighting problems, hygiene and sanitation deficiencies and missing mandatory safety documentation.

After doing the necessary to work to re-open the stadium, Rayo were finally given permission to return home for Saturday's fixture with Athletic.