Devastating Moment Top-Flight Footballers Told Manager Has Died Mid-Match
Players and coaching staff were informed during the match.
Featured Image Credit: X/@BalkanFutbolu
Topics: Serbia
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Serbia
A manager from the top flight of Serbian football has tragically died after suffering a suspected heart attack during a match.
In the 22nd minute of Monday's Serbian SuperLiga clash between Radnicki 1923 and Mladost Lucani, manager Mladen Zizovic collapsed near the touchline.
Medical staff rushed to Zizovic's aid and the 44-year-old was immediately transported to a nearby hospital.
But after the game resumed following a brief suspension, it was tragically confirmed 20 minutes later that the Radnicki 1923 manager had passed away after a suspected heart attack.
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Players and coaches could be seen falling to the ground after being informed of the devastating news. The match was officially abandoned by referee Jovan Segrt moments later.
Zizovic, a former Bosnia international who played for Zrinjski Mostar and Rudar Ugljevik during his playing career, was appointed by Radnicki 1923 in October. It was just his third game in charge of the club.
Tributes have poured in for Zizovic, with the Serbian FA posting a statement on social media.
It read: "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 FK Radnicki 1923, as well as all friends and admirers of his character and work."
They added: “Rest in peace, Mladen. Your love for football and the legacy you left behind will remain with us forever.”
Serbian side Partizan Belgrade would pay tribute with a statement of their own. It read: “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.”
Crvena Zvezda, known as Red Star Belgrade, also commented on the sad news. They wrote: “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."