Rayo Vallecano–Athletic Bilbao halted after home fans protest against club president Martin Presa
Home supporters threw "a million" leaflets; referee Sánchez Martínez sent players off the pitch and match may resume later without fans.
Rayo Vallecano's match against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Primera División was halted shortly after kickoff on October 10, 2026, after home supporters staged a protest against the club president Martin Presa. Fans threw what the report described as a "million" leaflets onto the pitch, forcing a stoppage by the referee.
Sánchez Martínez initially paused the game, and when paper-throwing resumed after a brief restart he spoke with both captains and decided to send the players back to the dressing rooms.
Protest and uncertainty
From the stands there were chants aimed at the club leadership; supporters shouted, "Presa, go away," a clear expression of the crowd's anger toward the president. The incident underscored growing unrest around the club.
Match officials now face a decision on whether the fixture will resume later today or be completed at another date. Organizers signalled that, if play continues, it will be behind closed doors.
The interruption affected the opening fixture of the day's LaLiga programme and left both sets of players waiting in the tunnel while stewards and police managed the situation in the stands.
Photo: press material from the event
