Rayo-Albacete game suspended after nazi insults to Zozulia
The second-tier game in Madrid was brought to an end following chants from the Rayo Vallecano ultras towards their former player.
Roman Zozulia returned to Vallecas almost three years after his acrimonious departure from Rayo. But the game against his new side Albacete never reached the final whistle.
Rayo ultras chant nazi insults
Initially play was stopped as the supporters were asked to refrain from their chanting of "Roman Zozulia puto nazi" (Roman Zozulia you fucking nazi). There were also large banners to add to the abuse. As this request was ignored, the decision was finally taken to suspend the game, the first time a game has been cancelled due to reasons of hate crimes, racism, homophobia in Spain.
Zozulia had joined Rayo from Real Betis in January 2017 but never played for the club after protests from fans forced him out. The supporters were not pleased over his perceived far-right connections, something the player vehemently denied.
There had initially been reports that the Albacete players did not want to return to the field following the half-time break due to the abuse being received by their Ukranian player. It had been noted by some commentators that this may, in part at least, have been related to going down to ten men shortly before the half-time whistle.
In the end, neither side came out for the second 45 and we await a decision on where the blame will officially lie for the suspension - the abusing fans, or the visiting team for refusing to complete the game. Imagine the challenges that could lie ahead at the Camp Nou on Wednesday for chanting limits.
Following the game, LaLiga have come out in support of referee José Antonio López Toca's decision, saying that both teams asked for the suspension due to serious insults towards Zozulia.
Updates to follow...