Rayo Vallecano officials expressed strong dissatisfaction Sunday with the decision to relocate their upcoming LaLiga match against Atlético de Madrid from Vallecas to the Butarque stadium in Leganés, with Secretary-Technical Javier Portillo calling the move a “lack of respect.” The complaint came as supporters of the club voiced their discontent with club president Raúl Martín Presa before the match, chanting for his resignation.
Portillo, acting as the club’s spokesperson prior to the game, stated, “First of all, we are here to face the situation, given that we have nothing to hide. We believe it is a lack of respect towards Rayo, our fans, our board, our coaching staff, and our players. We do not understand how a decision is made three days before the match is scheduled to be played.” He further emphasized the club’s belief that the Vallecas stadium was fully capable of hosting the match, adding, “We feel very prejudiced. We have left Vallecas without our fans and our social base.”
The relocation decision has as well impacted ticket sales, with Portillo noting that the club was unable to offer tickets to its supporters for the match at Butarque. “We feel very prejudiced today. We haven’t even been able to sell tickets so that our fans can travel,” he said.
The pre-match atmosphere was marked by visible dissent towards club president Raúl Martín Presa, with fans chanting “Presa, vete ya” – “Presa, exit now.” Portillo acknowledged the supporters’ right to protest, stating, “We thank the fans for their unconditional support of the team. They have the right to express themselves as they see fit. We understand that the Rayo Vallecano fans want to play all their matches in their stadium, in Vallecas.”
The Rayo Vallecano versus Atlético de Madrid match is scheduled to be played with 5,335 spectators in attendance at Butarque, according to reports.
