Devastated players collapsed to the floor after being told their 44-year-old manager had died midway through a match.
Mladen Zizovic, manager of Serbian top-flight side Radnicki 1923, collapsed on the side of the pitch after suffering a suspected heart attack in the first half of his side’s game against Mladost.
The match was paused while Zizovic received medical treatment and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but the game surprisingly continued shortly after.
With half-time approaching, the referee paused the game again, this time to inform the players that Zizovic had died.
Players on both teams collapsed to the ground upon hearing the devastating news, with others rallying around their teammates for support.
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Several players were in tears and sat crestfallen on the pitch as the referee abandoned the game.
Zizovic was taking charge of just his third game at Radnicki 1923 following his appointment on October 23.
A former attacking midfielder, Zizovic spent most of his career at Zrinjski Mostar and earned two international caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Paying tribute to Zizovic, the Serbian FA said: ‘The Football Association of Serbia has received with deep sorrow and disbelief the news of the sudden death of FK Radnički 1923 coach Mladen Zizovic, who passed away during the Mozzart Bet Super League of Serbia match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.
‘His untimely departure represents a tremendous loss for the entire football community.
‘The Football Association of Serbia expresses its deepest condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of Radnicki 1923, as well as all friends and admirers of his character and work.
‘Rest in peace, Mladen. Your love for football and the legacy you left behind will remain with us forever.’
In an emotional statement, Radnicki 1923 paid tribute to Zizovic, describing him as a ‘great man and coach’.
‘The Radnicki 1923 Football Club informs the public with deep pain and disbelief that today, during the match against Mladost from Lucani, our coach Mladen Zizovic passed away,’ they said.
‘A man who left a deep mark wherever he worked with his knowledge, calmness and nobility.
‘Although he spent a short time in Kragujevac, he managed to gain the respect of everyone at the club, among players, associates and fans, with his energy, professionalism and human qualities.
‘Mladen was born on December 27, 1980 in Rogatica and has dedicated his entire life to football.
‘In his playing career, he played as a midfielder, and made his first football steps in the team Mladost from Rogatica. He then wore the jerseys of Radnik, Rudar, Zrinjski, Tirana and Borac.
‘He finished his playing career at Radnik in 2016, and began his coaching career in 2017. During his coaching career he led the teams of Radnik, Zrinjski, Sloboda, Al-Holud, Shkupija, and Borac.
‘FK Radnicki 1923 expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and everyone who knew Mladen.
‘His dedication to football, passion for the game, and human warmth will forever remain etched in the memories of all who had the honour of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mladen.’
Red Star Belgrade, the biggest club in Serbia, added: ‘We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Zizovic, as well as to the members of Radnicki 1923. Rest in peace.’
Radnicki 1923 are due to return to action on Saturday against Cukaricki but it is yet to be confirmed if the match will go ahead as planned.
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