Barcelona’s La Liga clash Osasuna was called off on Saturday night due to the death of the Catalan club’s first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia, MySportDab reports.
The six-pointer clash that would have seen the Catalan extend the lead at the top of the table to four points with a win had to be postponed following the report of the tragic demise.
Originally, the fixture was scheduled to start at 20:00 GMT but had to be cancelled due at 07:40GMT after reports of the demise surfaced.
Fans of both sides were already seated at the stadium awaiting the rollercoaster matchup before the announcement of the postponement flashed on the big screen.
Barcelona statement confirming the passing of Minarro Garcia reads;
“FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,” the club said in a statement.
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.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta paid tribute to Minarro Garcia on the club website.
“He was a man very much loved by everyone, who passed away this afternoon at the team hotel,” he said.
“There was an overwhelming sense of sadness because he was loved by all of us. He travelled to every match to take care of the players, the coaching staff, everyone. He never said no to anyone. He was a great professional and a great doctor.
“It has left us devastated and in a sense of shock because it was so sudden. We got in touch with his mother and his wife to offer our condolences and to support them. Carles leaves behind two children Gerard and Anna.
“The players were greatly affected and out of respect for Carles Minarro and his family we had to request the postponement of the match.”
