Barça game postponed after death of team doctor

BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona's LaLiga game against Osasuna on Saturday was postponed 20 minutes before kickoff following the unexpected death of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro García.

Miñarro García, 53, joined Barça in 2017 and had been working with the first team since last summer having previously worked with the futsal side.

"Barcelona are deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Miñarro García this evening," the club said in a statement.

"For this reason, the match against Osasuna has been postponed and will be rearranged for a later date.

"The Barcelona board of directors and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Sources told ESPN that Barça players learned of Miñarro García's death when they arrived at the Olympic Stadium for the fixture against Osasuna.

The team unanimously agreed that the best thing to do was request the postponement of the match, to which LaLiga agreed.

"We are in a state of shock," Barcelona president Joan Laporta said in a video released by the club. "Carles was loved by everyone. As you can imagine, we are all extremely sad.

"He was someone who travelled with the team for every game to look after the players and the staff. He never said 'No' to anyone. He was a great professional and a great medic.

"We were quickly in touch with his family. We wanted them to know immediately. Carles leaves behind two kids, Gerard and Anna. His wife, as you can imagine, is deeply upset.

"We offer them our full support in this difficult moment, while asking for the understanding from our supporters and the world of football [for postponing the game].

"Out of respect for Carles, his family, the players and the staff, we thought it was best to suspend the match and we took the necessary decision in the moment.

"We were in contact with the president of LaLiga [Javier Tebas] and there was complete understanding. Osasuna also behaved extraordinarily; there was comprehension from their president, directors and coach."

Most supporters were already inside the stadium when the decision was taken to call the game off.

At first there was uncertainty as the players didn't come out to warm up, with an announcement arriving 20 minutes before the game was due to begin that it had been suspended.

The same announcement then followed in English, and a short statement was put up on the big screen explaining why the game would not go ahead on Saturday, with fans respectfully making their way to the exits.

"It's hard to believe and accept everything that has happened," midfielder Dani Olmo said. "Carles, thank you very much for everything you have helped me with, not only this year, but throughout my entire career.

"You will be greatly missed and you will always be remembered in our hearts, and in the hearts of my family. RIP Doc."

"Always in our hearts, Doc," midfielder Gavi posted on Instagram. "We will miss you a lot."

"I still can't believe it," teammate Pedri wrote. "Sending a huge hug to all of Carles' family and friends."

Defender Ronald Araújo said on X: "It's hard to believe. Rest in peace, Doc. Sending strength to Carles' family and friends. May God strengthen your hearts in this difficult time."

The game with Osasuna will take place at a later date yet to be confirmed.

Barcelona currently lead LaLiga, one point clear of Atlético Madrid and three ahead of Real Madrid.