Rayo Vallecano supporters' groups reject partial stadium closure sanction

Rayo Vallecano supporters' groups have firmly rejected the partial stadium closure sanction imposed by the RFEF's Disciplinary Committee. The 6,000 euro fine and the closure of the south stand for the next home match against Elche on 24 October follow the protest with paper planes and rubber balls that suspended the match against Athletic Club in the 13th minute.

The Agrupación de Peñas del Rayo Vallecano published a statement titled 'Regarding the partial stadium closure: our solidarity'. In it, the group states the decision does not reflect the facts and that the protest was peaceful and democratic. "The protest showed the discontent of the entire fanbase," said the group, noting participation came from all three stands of the stadium. The statement also mentions non-compliance with stadium maintenance obligations and concludes with a clear message: "Rayismo will keep protesting".

Fan discontent with president Raúl Martín Presa and the conditions at Vallecas is not new. Early in the season, the club was forced to play its first three home matches at other venues following a suspension by the regional government on safety grounds, which the club denied. The team, sitting 13th in LaLiga with eight points, as seen in the standings, now faces a Getafe side just below them in the table.

The next league match is this Monday away to Getafe, a direct clash in the mid-table zone. Rayo arrives with a run of two wins, two draws and one defeat in their last five outings. Details of upcoming matches are available on fixtures. Meanwhile, the club has announced it will identify and sanction those responsible for the incidents, accusing the organizers of running a sustained campaign against the entity. The suspended match against Athletic Club does not yet have a resumption date.

This story first appeared at Marca - Primera