The Anti-Violence Commission has proposed fines and stadium bans for twelve Rayo Vallecano fans over their role in causing the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao to be suspended. The incidents, which forced the game to be halted three times on October 10, have led to disciplinary proceedings against the supporters who threw objects onto the pitch.
The body stated that eleven local radicals face a fine of €3,001 and a six-month ban from sports venues. One fan is set to receive a €5,000 fine and a one-year prohibition. The Commission detailed that those involved "actively participated in the three occasions during the match when numerous fans, in a coordinated manner, threw various objects onto the field of play; culminating their actions with the throwing of a stadium seat that hit the goal net".
Coordinated protests in Vallecas
The match, which marked the return to Vallecas after three 'home' games were played in Leganés, was interrupted from the 13th minute. Fans threw paper planes, plastic balls, lighters, and plastic bottles from the three available sides of the stadium, chanting slogans against president Raúl Martín Presa and displaying scarves with the message 'Presa, leave now'. The stadium announcer warned of a possible suspension, but the throwing continued even after a brief restart, leading the referee, after consulting police, to call off the match definitively.
The club confirmed the decision on social media, stating it was made "by the referee's decision on the recommendation of the police". Players such as Óscar Valentín and Isi Palazón tried to calm members of the Bukaneros, the radical fan group, but the protests persisted. This climate of discontent with the ownership, which has lingered since 2011, had already manifested in a friendly the previous week and with graffiti in the presidential box.
Sporting context and next fixture
This incident occurs during a tricky sporting period for Rayo Vallecano. The team sits 13th in La Liga with 9 points from 8 games, seeking stability after a run of one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings. Their next challenge is precisely at home, against Elche on October 24, a direct rival currently fighting to escape the relegation zone. The squad, led in attack by Sergio Camello with 7 goals, needs to focus on matters on the pitch despite the external noise.
The suspended match against Athletic must be completed at a later date, though further protests are anticipated. Meanwhile, regional sports authorities, like councillor Mariano de Paco, have called for calm while assuring that "Rayo will have the stadium it deserves".
This story first appeared at latimes.com
