Rayo Vallecano Faces Internal Turmoil Over Recognition of Pathé Ciss

Rayo Vallecano is currently experiencing significant unrest within its locker room. This turmoil follows player complaints regarding the poor condition of the pitch, a disappointing defeat against Osasuna, and controversy concerning midfielder Pathé Ciss.

The Senegalese player, a recent winner of the Africa Cup with his national team, expressed his deep dissatisfaction over the lack of acknowledgment from the club. Traditionally, teams honor players who achieve such remarkable feats, but Rayo Vallecano did not hold a tribute for Ciss.

Ciss did not hesitate to share a critical comment from a fan on X (formerly Twitter), which pointedly criticized Rayo Vallecano for their failure to celebrate the player’s achievement: “Rayo Vallecano is not a team known for celebrating continental champions. They had a fantastic opportunity to honor Pathé Ciss, Africa Cup champion, and they failed to even acknowledge him. What a terrible club.”

The 31-year-old returned to play on Saturday at the Vallecas stadium against Osasuna, where he scored the equalizing goal. However, the match ended with a 1-3 defeat for the team. Following the game, Ciss reposted the fan’s unfortunate comment, which has captured the attention of the club’s management.

In response to the backlash, Rayo Vallecano felt compelled to issue a statement on Sunday clarifying the reasons behind the lack of tribute for Ciss. They also announced when the recognition would take place. The club’s statement reads:

“Rayo Vallecano wishes to inform that the tribute to our player Pathé Ciss, following his victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, was not conducted yesterday due to the inappropriateness of holding any celebration during a day of mourning, as the team wore black armbands and observed a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accidents in Adamuz and Gelida.

The deserved recognition for Pathé Ciss will take place before the next match scheduled in Vallecas on Saturday, February 7, against Real Oviedo.”