Rayo Vallecano game abandoned after paper plane protest

Rayo Vallecano's match against Athletic Club was abandoned on Saturday after the home fans threw paper planes and rubber balls on to the pitch in protest against the club's owner.

The La Liga game 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.

Rayo fans blame owner and president Raul Martin Presa, who has long been criticised for the poor upkeep of facilities and a failure to modernise the club.

In the 13th minute of the game, when Rayo fans usually chant "Presa leave now", supporters threw paper planes and small rubber balls on to the pitch.

The referee stopped play and the stadium announcer urged fans not to throw objects on to the pitch, while stewards hastily removed the items from the grass.

When play resumed 15 minutes later, supporters in the south stand again threw objects on to the field and the referee abandoned play with the game goalless.

Following the game, Athletic Club released a statement to say they would contact their fans who travelled to the game in Madrid to arrange refunds.

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.

They began last season without being able to use their own training ground because of mould. However, they were able to reach the final of the Uefa Conference League, which they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Supporters regularly have to queue for hours to purchase match tickets at the stadium's small box office as Rayo is the only top-flight Spanish club without a ticketing website.

Rayo sit 13th in La Liga with two wins from their opening seven games.

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