The scheduled match between Getafe and Rayo Vallecano will take place at Atlético de Madrid’s Cívitas Metropolitano, on January 2, with spectators admitted under a sanction that the blue club must observe. This decision was approved this Friday by the Disciplinary Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, reflecting a measure tied to past events and disciplinary standings that still affect the club’s matchday policies. The venue change and attendance rules are part of the broader governance framework in Spanish football, where home stadiums and fan conduct can trigger venue adjustments and access limitations to preserve safety and order during high-stakes fixtures.
The sanction stems from incidents that occurred during a 2017 promotion playoff match against Tenerife, which had consequences for Getafe several seasons later. After the final whistle, a significant number of Getafe supporters entered the field, while some visiting fans reportedly threw seats onto the pitch, actions that ultimately led to disciplinary measures affecting future appearances. Such incidents illustrate how crowd behavior can influence where and how a club can host its games, even when the on-field teams remain unchanged. In this case, the disciplinary body’s ruling has reshaped the logistics for the upcoming clash and highlighted the ongoing vigilance required to maintain safety within Spanish stadiums.
Consequently, based on confirmations from Cadena Cope and EFE, Getafe is set to begin 2024 with a visit to Atlético de Madrid’s Cívitas Metropolitano for this derby-style encounter. Fans must travel approximately 25 kilometers to witness the match, a practical consideration that underscores how sanctions can ripple through travel plans and ticketing arrangements for supporters. The arrangement prioritizes compliance with league guidelines while offering the full stadium ambiance to those eligible to attend, ensuring the event proceeds with the proper safety protocols and spectator management in place. Fans choosing to follow the team will need to account for the venue’s policies and the broader scheduling context within the Spanish football calendar, which continues to balance competitive passion with responsible attendance practices.