BARCELONA’s clash against Osasuna has been postponed after a club doctor suddenly died.
The LaLiga leaders were expected to take on Pamplona-based side at 8pm.
However, the club moved quickly to communicate with officials and cancel the game following the death of the medic.
Barca confirmed that first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.
A statement read: “FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening.
“For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
“The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Garcia had been at the Catalonian giants for seven years.
Osasuna also released a statement as the club sent condolences to his family.
It read: “Club Atletico Osasuna wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Carles Minarro Garcia and would like to send a warm hug to all the staff of FC Barcelona, as well as to its fans, at this difficult time.
Most read in Football
“May he rest in peace. Goian bego.”
LaLiga also confirmed that the game would be suspended and a new date would be scheduled.
Laporta on Garcia’s death
Barcelona president Joan Laporta made a heartfelt speech following the death of Carlos Minarro Garcia.
He said: “I would like to announce on behalf of FC Barcelona the death of the first team doctor Carles Minarro, a man much loved by everyone who passed away this afternoon at the team’s training camp.
“As you can imagine, the players, the staff, the coach… were all very sad and there was a huge sadness. We all loved him very much.
“He came to all the away games to look after all the players and he never said no to anyone. He was a great doctor and a great professional.
“In these moments of so much pain we have considered that the best thing was to ask for the postponement of the match, so we have considered it and we have communicated it to the president of LaLiga to explain the situation and what happened.
“He has understood it and has initiated all the procedures for the suspension. We have had the maximum understanding on the part of Osasuna, its president and its management team.
“They have behaved in an extraordinary way. The refereeing team has also understood it perfectly. It is very painful news for FC Barcelona.
“We are in shock because everything happened so suddenly. We have contacted his family, his mother and his wife. We offer them our condolences at this very painful time, especially for them.
“We wanted them to know immediately because it is news of great significance and even more so when it involved the suspension of the match.
“Carles leaves behind two children, Gerard and Anna, as well as his wife, who was very affected, as is logical and normal.
“We have to be by her side. We have asked for the understanding of the members and Barça fans who were planning to watch the match and I saw great understanding when we announced it over the loudspeakers.
“There was applause and a small tribute.
“The players were very affected and out of respect for Carles Minarro, his family, the entire staff, coach and fellow board members, we thought that the best thing was to postpone the match.
“The understanding of all those who had responsibility in this decision because I think we have done the best and we have made the decision that we had to. Thank you very much.”
A statement read: “LaLiga regrets the passing of Dr. Carles Miñarro, FC Barcelona’s first-team doctor, and announces that, for this reason, today’s match between FC Barcelona and Osasuna has been postponed, pending the decision of the single judge of Competitions.
“LaLiga would like to express its deepest condolences to his family, friends, the club, and its supporters, and shares in their sorrow.
“The new date and time for the match will be announced soon.”
Tributes from fans for the doctor have flooded in on social media.
Osasuna president’s statement
Osasuna president Luis Sabalza revealed when his side found out about the tragic news
He said: “We found out when Barcelona informed us.
“The first thing we have to do is offer our condolences to the family. We have felt it because we could all be in that situation.
“We have not raised any problems at any time.
“The clubs have reached an agreement and then it was the referee who thought it was absolutely correct.
“I think that is how it should be. Osasuna is just joining in the pain.
“Noáin airport is closed and we are returning tomorrow morning, mainly because of that.”
One posted: “Condolences to the family and all those mourning.”
A second wrote: “Damn, that’s sad.”
A third commented: “Rest in peace, thoughts with the family.”
A fourth said: “Our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Another added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Carles Miñarro Garcia, the first-team doctor. Rest in peace.”
Barcelona had named the team for the match with the likes of Erran Torres and Eric Garcia expecting to play.
Hansi Flick’s side were looking to gain what could be a vital three points in the race for the title.
Barcelona are currently top of the league by one point – ahead of Atletico Madrid.
Title rivals Real Madrid put their differences aside as they offered their condolences.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid C. F., its President and Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Carles Miñarro García, doctor of F. C. Barcelona.
“Real Madrid would like to express its condolences and affection to all his family, his colleagues, F. C. Barcelona and all his loved ones.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“May he rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month Villarreal saw their game against Espanyol postponed due to bad weather.
Barcelona players pay tribute
Barcelona players took to social media after the game was suspended to pay tribute to the doctor…
Pablo Gavi wrote: “Always in our hearts, we will miss you very much.”
Pedri posted: “I still can’t believe it. A big hug to Carles’ family and friends.”
Gerard Martin said: “Rest in peace Carles, always with us.”
Hector Fort shared: “Rest in peace doctor, thank you for everything you have done for us. My deepest condolences to family and friends.”
Alejandro Balde commented: “RIP Carles my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones.”
Ronald Araujo added: “It’s unbelievable, rest in peace, Doc. Much strength to the family and friends.
“May God strengthen their hearts in this difficult time.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
