Rayo Vallecano has strongly condemned the suspension of its La Liga match against Athletic Club last Saturday, attributing it to a premeditated and coordinated attack by organised ultra groups. The game, which was definitively halted in the 13th minute with the score at 0-0, will resume behind closed doors following a ruling by the RFEF's Sole Competition Judge, a measure that also forces the club to cover the Basque team's travel expenses.
Referee Sánchez Martínez stopped play at the Estadio de Vallecas after objects were thrown from the stand behind the goal. "The police could not guarantee the safety of the match," the official explained. Despite pleas from Rayo's captains, the throwing continued, including paper airplanes and small spheres, leading the National Security coordinator to recommend a definitive suspension due to a lack of guarantees.
Previous warnings ignored
The club had warned government delegations, national and municipal police, and LaLiga's Security Department during the preceding week about risks associated with the ultra group Bukaneros and its affiliates. These warnings came after a failed attempt on Saturday 3rd October by over 50 hooded individuals to storm the presidential box with the intention of attacking executives and the president. For the match against Athletic, Rayo increased private security at the stadium, but the measures were not enough.
This is the third time in fifteen years that a Rayo match has been suspended due to intolerance from ultra groups, following games against Real Madrid in 2012 and Albacete in 2019. The club emphasises that players, referees, opponents and the vast majority of its own supporters were victims of this act, which aims to undermine the president's management, a campaign that has lasted for over fifteen years.
Sporting context and consequences
The suspension comes at a delicate point in the season. Rayo Vallecano sits 14th in La Liga with 8 points after seven matchdays, with a record of two wins, two draws and three defeats. Their next fixture is this Saturday 19th October against Getafe, a direct rival sitting just below them in 15th place. Forward Sergio Camello, the team's top scorer with seven goals, will be a key piece in that match after scoring the team's last goal in the draw against Osasuna.
The RFEF's Sole Judge ruled that "the resumption of the match behind closed doors is resolved (...) on the date, time and place established by the National Professional Football League." All federatively registered players will be able to participate in that resumption, regardless of their involvement or disciplinary status in the original match. Rayo has requested video footage from the authorities to identify those responsible and apply internal sanctions, while demanding institutions end any collusion or financial support for these groups.
This story first appeared at Rayo Vallecano.es
