Peñas demand respect and dignity for Rayismo and Vallecas

“We want to demand respect and dignity for Rayismo and Vallecas”: that was the message delivered by the peñas at a press conference attended by more than a thousand supporters, following a call from the Agrupación de Peñas del Rayo. Two representatives, accompanied by lawyer Javier Flores, spoke at the peaceful gathering. One representative said the press conference had three objectives.

Among the demands were respect and dignity for Rayismo and Vallecas, as well as repayment of the portion of season-ticket costs corresponding to three matches not played at the stadium. One representative also declared: “We will continue along the path we have followed for the last 30 years and go all the way to free the club from the hands holding it hostage.” The supporters also said: “It is not our fault, it is not our negligence; if anything, we are the victims.”

Javier Flores, the lawyer handling the case, said contact had been made with the club. He said an initial call to Sardá had taken place a week earlier, but there had been no news since. A first legal claim has been filed seeking repayment of the season-ticket portion relating to the three matches played away from Vallecas.

The discussions also covered the protests on the day of the Trofeo de Vallecas. Javier defended the right to protest: “The people are sovereign and have the right to protest.” The peñas said they felt they were being laughed at, because nothing had changed and nobody had apologised. The club is meanwhile due to play its first league match in Vallecas against Athletic Club.