BARCELONA’s clash against Osasuna has been SUSPENDED after a club doctor suddenly died.
The LaLiga leaders were expected to take on Pamplona-based side at 8pm.
Barcelona have confirmed that first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia had passed away[/caption]
The club’s game against Osasuna has been suspended after his death[/caption]
Players had begun their warm-up[/caption]
The statement was displayed on the stadium big screen[/caption]
However, it emerged that a member of the Barcelona medical team had passed away.
The club 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.
“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.
“May he rest in peace. Goian bego.”
LaLiga also confirmed that the game would be suspended and a new date would be scheduled.
Osasuna president 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.”
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.
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.
Meanwhile, earlier this month Villarreal saw their game against Espanyol postponed due to bad weather.
