FC Barcelona confirmed this Saturday the terrible news of the death of the first team's doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia, just before the match that the azulgrana team was to play in Montjuïc against Osasuna. Minutes after the suspension of the match was confirmed, Barça and Dr. Miñarro's family received multiple messages of solidarity and respect for the unfortunate event.
LaLiga was the first to issue a statement supporting the suspension of the match. "LALIGA regrets the death of the FC Barcelona first team doctor, Dr. Carles Miñarro, and informs that for this reason, the Barça-Osasuna match scheduled for today is postponed, pending the resolution of the sole judge of Competitions. LALIGA wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, the club, and fans and joins in their grief. The new date and time for the match will be communicated soon".
Similarly, the 'rojillo' team expressed its sorrow for what happened. "Barça has communicated the news to us, and we want to extend our condolences. We have not raised any objections to the suspension because life is the most important thing. You cannot play thinking that the person you have shared with permanently is not there," expressed the Osasuna management.
The RFEF and other LaLiga clubs also joined in sending messages of support to Barça
For its part, other clubs such as Real Madrid, Athletic Club, and Real Sociedad, along with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), also sent their messages of respect for the death of Dr. Miñarro Garcia, who was part of the club since 2017. After his time with the futsal team, the doctor joined the first team this season, accompanying the staff led by Hansi Flick.
⚫Statement from the RFEF:
The RFEF regrets the death of the FC Barcelona first team doctor, Dr. Carles Miñarro, and informs that for this reason, the FC Barcelona vs Osasuna match scheduled for today is postponed, pending the resolution of the Competition Judge. The RFEF wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, the club, and fans and joins in their grief.
⚫Statement from Real Madrid:
Real Madrid C. F., its president, and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of the FC Barcelona doctor, Carles Miñarro Garcia. Real Madrid wishes to express its condolences and affection to all his family, his colleagues, FC Barcelona, and all his loved ones. Rest in peace.
⚫Statement from Osasuna:
Club Atlético Osasuna wishes to convey its deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Carles Miñarro Garcia and wants to send a strong hug in these difficult times to all the staff of FC Barcelona, as well as to its fans. Rest in peace. Goian bego.
⚫Statement from Athletic Club
Devastated by this sad news. Much strength to the family of Dr. Carles Miñarro and to that of FC Barcelona. Rest in peace.
⚫Statement from Real Sociedad
Our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the club. Much strength and courage. Goian bego.
⚫Statement from Valencia
From Valencia CF, we want to convey our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Carles Miñarro Garcia, as well as to all of FC Barcelona and its fans. Rest in peace.
The Barça squad, deeply affected by the news
After the confirmation of the death of Dr. Carles Miñarro Garcia, the azulgrana squad left Montjuïc very affected. The players did not even step onto the field for the usual warm-up. The first to express his sorrow for what happened was Ronald Araujo.
"Unbelievable😭💔. Rest in peace Doc. Much strength to the family and friends. May God strengthen their hearts in this difficult moment", wrote the azulgrana captain on his 'X' account. The team arrived at the stadium unaware of anything, as the doctor passed away in his room at the team's hotel, the Melina Gran Meliá, as confirmed by 'SPORT'.
Before the club's official statement, 'Jijantes' had leaked the possible suspension of the match "for a reason of force majeure". After the confirmation of the doctor's death, president Joan Laporta went down to the locker room to confirm the news. Víctor Font, one of the main candidates for the presidency of Barça and a staunch critic of Laporta, also lamented what happened on 'X'. "My sincerest condolences and all my affection to the family," wrote the Spanish businessman.