Devastated players collapsed to the ground after being told their 44-year-old manager had died during a match.
Mladen Zizovic, managed of Serbian top-flight side Radnicki 1923, collapsed on the side of the pitch after suffering a suspected heart attack in the primary half of his side’s game against Mladost.
The match was paused while Zizovic received medical treatment and was rushed to a close-by hospital, however the game surprisingly continued shortly after.
With half-time approaching, the referee paused the sport again, this time to tell the players that Zizovic had died.
Players on each teams collapsed to the bottom upon hearing the devastating news, with others rallying around their teammates for support.
Several players were in tears and sat crestfallen on the pitch because the referee abandoned the sport.
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 profession 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 in the course of the Mozzart Bet Super League of Serbia match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani.
‘His premature departure represents an incredible loss for the whole football community.
‘The Football Association of Serbia expresses its deepest condolences to the Zizovic family, the members of Radnicki 1923, in addition to 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 eternally.’
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 general public with deep pain and disbelief that today, in the course of the match against Mladost from Lucani, our coach Mladen Zizovic passed away,’ they said.
‘A person who left a deep mark wherever he worked together with his knowledge, calmness and nobility.
‘Although he spent a short while in Kragujevac, he managed to realize the respect of everyone on the club, amongst players, associates and fans, together 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 profession, he played as a midfielder, and made his first football steps within the team Mladost from Rogatica. He then wore the jerseys of Radnik, Rudar, Zrinjski, Tirana and Borac.
‘He finished his playing profession at Radnik in 2016, and started his coaching profession in 2017. During his coaching profession 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 everybody who knew Mladen.
‘His dedication to football, passion for the sport, and human warmth will eternally remain etched within the memories of all who had the honour of knowing him. Rest in peace, Mladen.’
Red Star Belgrade, the largest club in Serbia, added: ‘We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mladen Zizovic, in addition to to the members of Radnicki 1923. Rest in peace.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the newest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.