BARCELONA were due to face Osasuna in a LaLiga clash at 8pm on Saturday evening.
But the match was postponed after it was announced a member of Barca’s medical team had tragically passed away.
Why has Barcelona vs Osasuna been postponed?
Barcelona vs Osasuna was postponed after it was announced on Saturday evening that first team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away.
The LaLiga leaders confirmed the tragic passing with an official statement minutes before the match was due to kick off, it 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.
“The FC Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Osasuna also released a statement sending their condolences to Carles Minarro Garcia’s family.
The statement read: “Club Atlético Osasuna wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Carles Miñarro 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.
“May he rest in peace. Goian bego.”
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.”
When will Barcelona vs Osasuna be played?
At the time of writing, there has been no confirmed date for the fixture to be played.
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LaLiga have confirmed that the new date and time of the match will be set in the coming days by its competition committee.
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
