Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano final paused by medical emergency in the stands

Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena was suspended in the 36th minute on Wednesday after a medical emergency broke out among the Rayo supporters in the stands. The score was 0-0 when referee Maurizio Mariani halted proceedings.

The stoppage was prompted by Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla, who sat down on the pitch and pointed toward the Spanish end of the ground, drawing Mariani’s attention to the incident. The referee signalled a pause by pointing to his watch.

Rayo goalkeeper Batalla’s refusal to restart play was noted by former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who commented: “The referee is trying to get this game restarted and the Rayo goalkeeper is flatly refusing.” The gesture underlined the seriousness of the situation and the close bond between the Vallecas club and its supporters.

After approximately four minutes, the match resumed. A message was displayed on the stadium’s big screen to explain the situation to all supporters inside the ground. Managers Inigo Perez and Oliver Glasner were both informed of the circumstances during the break.

Four minutes of added time were played at the end of the first half. Crystal Palace came closest to breaking the deadlock in that period, with Tyrick Mitchell forcing a save from a deep Adam Wharton cross to the back post.

No further details about the condition of the supporter involved were immediately available.