An extraordinary situationtook place in Spain's Copa del Rey this evening.

Third Division club Racing Santander used the game against Real Sociedad to protest against the club's owners as a number of players have not been paid for months.

When the game started, the team gathered in the centre circle and refused to play so the referee called the match off.

Racing's players were given a standing ovation by fans, and were embraced by their opponents as Sociedad went through to the semi-finals.

The Cantabrian club was bought by Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed amid promises of investment which did not bear fruit.

Racing Santander taking their stand. Game off pic.twitter.com/id0cmFmZGh

— James Dart (@James_Dart) January 30, 2014