A corner flag bearing the logo of FC Barcelona shown before the match with Osasuna was due to start
A corner flag bearing the logo of FC Barcelona shown before the match with Osasuna was due to start
Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna was postponed just 20 minutes before kickoff on Saturday night following the death of a member of the Catalan giants’ medical staff.
The fixture was cancelled after the tragic death of team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.
A statement read: "FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first team doctor Carles Minarri Garcia this evening. For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and Osasuna has been postponed to a later date. The FC Barcelona Board of Director and all staff extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Osasuna posted the following message on social media: "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."
According to reports in Spain, Minarro Garcia died at the team hotel, suddenly, in the lead up to the match. He had been working at the club for seven years and this season joined the first-team staff.
It's understood the players didn't know the full extent of the situation until arriving at the ground, when club president Joan Laporta spoke to them in the dressing room.
A decision was then made that the game would not go ahead.
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
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