Athletic Bilbao's La Liga fixture at Rayo Vallecano was definitively abandoned by the referee with the score at 0-0. The decision followed two stoppages caused by objects being thrown from the stands onto the pitch, leaving the result unresolved and impacting the Basque club, who sit 10th in the table with 8 points.
The first interruption came in the 13th minute. After a stadium announcement warned the match could be called off, play resumed in the 24th minute, only to be halted again seconds later by a fresh barrage of objects. The referee, after consulting with police and the coaching staff, ordered the players off the pitch. The Athletic players, who had drawn 0-0 in their last outing against this same opponent, applauded their travelling fans as they left the field.
Official response and context
La Liga issued a statement condemning the incidents. "La Liga strongly condemns this behaviour, which endangers safety and obstructs the normal running of the competition," the league said. Rayo Vallecano confirmed the referee's decision via their official X account, citing police advice. This match was Rayo's first home league game of the season, after their previous fixtures were moved to Leganés due to safety concerns at their Vallecas stadium, which had prompted fan protests and boycotts. The club had asked its supporters not to attend the stadium in protest over the venue changes.
Athletic Bilbao now face an uncertain schedule with this match to be rearranged. Ernesto Valverde's side have a record of one win, three draws and one loss in their last five league matches. Their next fixture is a trip to Mestalla to face Valencia, who are bottom of the table, on Saturday 17 October.
The report in full is at Interia Sport
