Rayo Vallecano’s La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao was abandoned after home supporters repeatedly threw objects on to the pitch in protest against club president Raul Martin Presa.
The game at Vallecas was suspended in the 13th minute, when fans threw paper aeroplanes, rubber balls and other items on to the playing surface. The referee stopped the match and sent both teams back to their dressing rooms.
The players later returned in an attempt to resume the fixture, but objects continued to be thrown from the stands. With the score still 0-0, the match was eventually called off.
The protest was directed at the way Rayo Vallecano is being run under Presa, as well as the condition of the club’s stadium and training facilities.
Saturday’s game was Rayo’s first La Liga fixture at Vallecas this season. Their previous three home matches had been played at Leganes’s Butarque stadium after their own ground was found to require urgent work because of “serious deficiencies” relating to safety.
Rayo’s use of Vallecas has been affected by ongoing maintenance problems during the club’s lease of the stadium. Madrid’s regional government is currently in the process of terminating that agreement.
The club also played one home league match at Butarque last season because the Vallecas pitch was not considered suitable for a fixture.