Rayo Vallecano v Athletic Club abandoned at Estadio de Vallecas after paper plane protest

Rayo Vallecano's La Liga home match against Athletic Club at the Estadio de Vallecas was abandoned on Saturday after home supporters threw paper planes and small rubber balls onto the pitch in protest against the club's owner and president, Raul Martin Presa. The referee stopped play twice and ultimately abandoned the match with the score goalless.

The fixture was Rayo's first of the season at the Estadio de Vallecas, which had been temporarily closed after an audit highlighted serious health and safety issues, including a risk of contracting Legionnaires' disease. Supporters blame Raul Martin Presa for poor upkeep of the club's facilities and a failure to modernise. Last season the Spanish football association published a letter written by Rayo's players that described the Vallecas pitch as "unplayable" and noted a lack of hot water in the showers and inadequate cleaning. The squad also began last season unable to use their own training ground because of mould.

In the 13th minute, when Rayo fans usually chant "Presa leave now", supporters threw paper planes and small rubber balls on to the pitch and the referee stopped play. The stadium announcer urged fans not to throw objects on to the pitch and stewards removed items from the grass. Play was halted while stewards cleared the debris and officials spoke with match delegates.

Play resumed 15 minutes later, but supporters in the south stand again threw objects on to the field and the referee abandoned the match. The stoppages ended the contest before either side registered a goal.

Fans held up scarves that said 'Presa leave now' during the incidents. Supporters regularly have to queue for hours to purchase match tickets at the stadium's small box office, with Rayo the only top-flight Spanish club without a ticketing website. Despite off-field problems, Rayo reached the final of the Uefa Conference League last season, which they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Rayo sit 13th in La Liga with two wins from their opening seven games. Following the game, Athletic Club released a statement to say they would contact their fans who travelled to the game to arrange refunds.