In the match between Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Club, the suspension of the match caused a wave of protests that spread beyond the stadium. The Association of Peñas del Rayo Vallecano (ADRV) published a statement in which it described the demonstration as “legitimate and democratic,” pointing out that the frustration of the fans is due to the management of Raúl Martín Presa, who, according to the organization, has left the club in an unsustainable situation for fifteen years.
The ADRV message highlights the long history of abandonment of the facilities, the lack of identity and the disdain for workers and fans. The club's leaders, according to the statement, have put the safety and health of 15,000 people every fortnight at risk, and the last straw was the loss of the Vallecas Stadium concession on July 28, which forced the fans to travel to Butarque for two months. “Today's protest is legitimate and peaceful,” they affirm, and emphasize that Presa's dictatorial management threatens to separate Rayo from its heart in Vallecas.
The statement also refers to the paper airplanes that were launched during the game, which carried the message "Presa veta ya." The organizers of the protest asked that Rayismo channel its discontent into a “rage” that would manifest itself with concrete actions, such as a protest in the box at minute 1, a cry of “Presa veta ya” at minute 13 and the creation of airplanes with the pamphlet. Not all attendees expected the protest to continue after the game was suspended.
Regarding the club's situation, the ADRV concludes that an urgent change of course is needed. The current management, according to the organization, has caused wear and tear, precariousness and discomfort both in the locker room and in the offices, affecting those who support the entity. “Rayismo is not going to allow it,” they say, and demand that the club surrender to the pressure of its followers and workers.
The future of Rayo Vallecano remains in the hands of the community and the football authorities. The suspension of the match against Athletic Club and the pressure from the supporters' clubs could prompt a review of the club's administration. Fans are waiting for a concrete response that guarantees the continuity of the club in Vallecas and the recovery of trust in the president's management.