Footballers break down in tears after being told manager tragically died during match

Radnicki 1923 boss Mladen Zizovic, 44, tragically suffered a heart attack 22 minutes into his team's match against Mladost in the Serbian top flight on Sunday evening

Serbian football has been plunged into mourning after the sudden death of a manager during a match. Radnicki 1923 boss Mladen Zizovic suffered a heart attack during his side’s game against Mladost on Sunday evening and tragically passed away.

The 44-year-old collapsed 22 minutes into the top-flight match. The father of three from Bosnia was rushed to hospital but could not be saved.

The match was suspended by the referee during the medical emergency as Zizovic received treatment. Remarkably, the game was later restarted yet was abandoned after the news came that Zizovic had died.

The dreadful news led to emotional scenes on the pitch as Radnicki players dropped to the floor in tears, while their opponents also looked overwhelmed. The referee eventually walked slowly off the pitch and down the tunnel, leaving the stunned scene behind him.

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Tributes have been paid to Zizovic, who had managed sides in Bosnia, Saudi Arabia and North Macedonia before taking charge of Radnicki, where he had only been in charge for two games before Sunday.

The Serbian FA said in a statement: “The Football Association of Serbia has received with deep sorrow and disbelief the news of the sudden death of FK Radnicki 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 FK 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.”

Zizovic had a 19-year playing career and won two caps for Bosnia as a midfielder. He spent most of his career in Bosnia, but also played in Albania before turning to management in 2017 following his retirement.

He had only been appointed by Radnicki – based in Serbia’s third-largest city Nis – on October 23 and was taking charge of his third match.

Other Serbian clubs paid tribute to Zizovic. Red Star Belgrade wrote on X: “FK Crvena Zvezda expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Zizović, as well as to the members of FK Radnicki 1923. Rest in peace, Mladen."

Partizan Belgrade said: “With sadness, we received the news that Radnicki’s coach from Kragujevac, Mladen Zizovic, has suddenly passed away. Our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and club.”

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