The Barcelona League match against Osasuna on Saturday night was postponed after the death of the doctor of the first team of the Catalan club, Carles Minarro García.
The game was scheduled to start at 20:00 GMT, but was canceled about 20 minutes before the start.
Fans had already arrived at the Barcelona Olympic stadium when Hansi Flick’s team prepared to extend their leadership from a point at the top of the League against their visitors of the eleventh place, before news was announced by the postponement on the big screen.
“FC Barcelona is deeply sad to announce the death of the doctor of the first Carles Minarro García team tonight,” the club said in a statement.
“For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and Ca Osasuna has postponed to a later date.
“The Board of Directors of FC Barcelona and all the staff extend our most sincere condolences to their family and friends during this difficult time.”
The president of Barcelona, Joan Laporta, paid tribute to Minarro García on the club’s website.
“He was a man very loved by everyone, who died this afternoon at the team of the team,” he said.
“There was an overwhelming feeling of sadness because all of us loved him. He traveled to each game to take care of the players, the coaching staff, everyone never said no anyone. He was a great professional and a great doctor.
“He has left us devastated and in a sense of shock because he was very sudden. We got in touch with his mother and his wife to offer our condolences and support them. Carles leaves two children Gerard and Anna.
“The players were very affected and out of respect for Carles Minarro and his family had to request the postponement of the game.”
A Declaration of Osasuna added: “Osasuna wishes to convey his deepest condolences to Dr. Carles Minarro García and would like to send a warm hug to all FC Barcelona staff, as well as his fans, at this time difficult. He can rest in peace.”
