Barcelona have announced their LaLiga match against Osasuna has been called off just before kick-off following the death of the club’s first team doctor.
The match, which had been scheduled to start at 9pm local time, was officially announced to have been postponed 20 minutes before kick-off.
‘FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,’ a club statement read.
‘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.’
Carles Minarro, 40, had been part of Barcelona’s medical team since 2017.
Barcelona’s match with Osasuna was postponed after the death of their team doctor
Osasuna head coach Vicente Moreno, centre, and his staff were seen reacting to the news
Carles Minarro Garcia had worked for Barcelona for seven years and the first team this season
While teams were announced for the match, no Barcelona players came out to warm-up.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Carles Minarro died at the team hotel, with players informed after arriving at the stadium for the match.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta gave a tribute to Carles Minarro and vowed to support his wife and two children Gerard and Anna.
‘I want to announce the death of the first team doctor, Carles Minarro , a man much loved by everyone and who passed away this afternoon at the team’s hotel,’ Laporta said.
‘Players, staff, coaches, they were all very sad, there is enormous sadness.
‘We all loved him very much, he came to the away games to look after everyone. He didn’t say no to anyone. It’s very sad what has happened, this has to make us strong
‘It is very painful news, we are saddened and in a state of shock. We have contacted his mother and his wife. We want to express our condolences. We wanted them to know immediately.
He leaves behind two children, Gerard and Anna . His wife was very affected, we must support them.
‘The players were greatly affected and out of respect for Carles Minarro and his family we had to request the postponement of the match.’
Barcelona stars Pedri and Ronald Araujo issued tributes on social media to the doctor
The announcement the match had been postponed came in the build-up to kick-off
An announcement was made on the big screens at the Olympic Stadium to inform supporters.
Osasuna’s coaching staff were seen reacting to the news by the dugouts in the stadium.
Barcelona midfielder Pedri shared a tribute on social media, writing ‘I still can’t believe it. A big hug to Carles’ family and friends.’
Defender Ronald Araujo added ‘Unbelievable. Rest in peace Doc. Much strength to the family and friends. May God strengthen your hearts in this difficult time.’
Osasuna offered their condolences to Barcelona and Carles Miñarro’s family.
‘Club Atletico 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,’ a club statement read.
‘May he rest in peace.’
LaLiga joined tributes to Barcelona’s first team doctor, while the league confirmed a new date for the match would be announced shortly.
The Catalan side confirmed the postponement 20 minutes prior to the scheduled kick-off
LaLiga confirmed a new date for the postponed match will be confirmed at a later date
‘LALIGA regrets the death of the doctor of the first team of FC Barcelona, Dr. Carles Miñarro, and informs that for this reason the match scheduled for today has been postponed, pending the decision of the sole judge of competitions,’ the statement read.
‘LALIGA would like to express its sincere condolences to the family, friends, club and fans and share their grief.
‘The new date and time of the match will be announced shortly.’
Barcelona’s arch-rivals Real Madrid offered a tribute, writing ‘Real Madrid, 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. May he rest in peace.’
Before joining Barcelona, Carles Minarro had worked as an assistant doctor at the Sports Assistance and Prevention Unit at the High Performance Center of Sant Cugat del Vallès.
He had previously worked in medical services for the Catalonia based Sabadell FC.
Barcelona had been aiming to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga against Osasuna, with Hansi Flick’s side currently one point clear of Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid are three points behind in third.