Serbia Coach Dies of Heart Attack During Match, Team Breaks Down In Tears

Radniki 1923 head coach Mladen Zizovic has died of a heart attack at the age of 44 during a top-flight match in Serbia. He collapsed on the touchline in the 22nd minute of the 2nd of November’s match against Mladost.

He was treated on the field but was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. The match was temporarily suspended, but the referee resumed play after he was taken to the hospital.

But within 20 minutes, the news came that Zizovic was no longer alive. As soon as the news reached the pitch, players and staff from both teams broke down in tears, and the match was completely abandoned.

Club’s Deep Condolences

Radniki 1923 said in a statement that they were deeply saddened and shocked by Zijović’s death. They said that he had earned the respect of players, officials, and fans in a very short time.

His calm demeanor, professionalism, and humanity as a coach left a mark on everyone. The club said that his dedication to football will continue to be an inspiration in the future. Deepest condolences are extended to his family, colleagues, and all well-wishers.

International Tribute

The Serbian and Bosnian Football Federations remembered him in a joint statement of condolences. They said that Zijović’s sudden death was a great loss for the entire football community. Several major clubs, including Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade, also expressed their condolences on social media.

They described Zijović as a dedicated coach and an honest person. He was also remembered for his achievements in leading Borac Banja Luka to the highest level of success in the Europa Conference League.

Fans’ Reactions

Fans reacted with deep emotion after a video of the incident went viral on social media. Some expressed anger at the players’ deaths being announced before the end of the match.

Many paid tribute to Zizovic, saying it was difficult to accept his passing at such a young age. Others commented that it was natural for players to break down on the field at such a difficult time. Fans wrote in their final farewell: “Rest in peace, Mladen.”

Zizovic was Radnik’s newly appointed coach—this was only his third match since taking charge on 23 October. He played in Bosnia and Albania during his playing career, and won the Bosnian Premier League in the 2008–09 season. He was a father of three.

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@dailymailsport

The heartbreaking moment top-flight footballers collapse as they are told their manager has died mid-game after a heart attack in the dug-out Mladen Zizovic collapsed on the side of the pitch after suffering a heart attack 22 minutes into Radnicki 1923’s match with Mladost on Sunday evening. His players and coaching staff were informed later on that Zizovic, who had been taken to hospital after receiving medical treatment, had passed away – sparking scenes of devastation on the pitch. Footage of the incident, which came 20 minutes after the match restarted, was shared to social media on Monday, with players breaking down in tears and comforting each other. The game was initially suspended after Zizovic collapsed and was resumed by the referee once the Bosnian coach was transported to hospital. After the players received the news, the referee abandoned the match. #mladenzizovic #news #football #sports #long

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