Tensions have been running high in the Rayo Vallecano dressing room in recent days. Beyond players complaining about poor pitch conditions, the team has suffered consecutive defeats to Osasuna, and a controversy involving Pathe Cissé has erupted.
The Senegalese player, who just won the Africa Cup of Nations with his national team, is deeply unhappy about the club’s lack of recognition. Unlike other clubs, Rayo Vallecano did not hold the usual tribute ceremony for a player who achieved such a feat.
The 31-year-old did not hesitate to repost a fan’s critical comment on social media, which slammed Rayo Vallecano for failing to honor the player: “Rayo Vallecano is not a club that produces continental champions left and right. Today they had a perfect chance to pay tribute to Africa Cup of Nations winner Pathe Cissé, and they didn’t even do that damn basic thing. What a trash club.”
Cissé returned to the Vallecas Stadium for Saturday’s game against Osasuna and even scored the equalizing goal, but the team still lost 1-3 in the end. After the match, he reposted the inflammatory comment, a move that did not go unnoticed by the Madrid-based club.
Amid external criticism, Rayo Vallecano was forced to issue an official statement on Sunday, explaining the reason for not holding the tribute and clarifying the specific time for the ceremony. The club’s statement reads:
“The decision not to hold a tribute ceremony for player Pathe Cissé following his Africa Cup of Nations victory yesterday was because the day was deemed unsuitable for any form of celebration. The team wore black armbands and observed a one-minute silence in memory of the victims of the serious rail accidents in Adamuz and Helida.
The due tribute to Pathe Cissé will take place ahead of the next home match, which is against Real Oviedo at the Vallecas Stadium on Saturday, 7 February.”
