FOOTBALLERS BREAK DOWN IN TEARS ON THE PITCH AFTER MANAGER DIES DURING GAME
Footballers broke down in tears on the pitch after Radnicki 1923 boss Mladen Zizovic died following a heart attack just minutes into his game against Mladost on Sunday.
Zizovic was taken to hospital 22 minutes into their Serbian SuperLiga match against Mladost Lucani at Stadion Mladosti in Lucani.
He received treatment pitchside as the match was suspended by the referee during the medical emergency, reports the Mirror.
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The match was restarted with Radnicki 1923 2-0 up after the father of three from Bosnia and Herzegovina was taken to hospital but it was later abandoned when the news came that Zizovic had died.
Emotional scenes on the pitch followed 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.
Tributes have been paid to Zizovic who had managed sides in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and North Macedonia before taking charge of Radnicki 1923 last month.
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.”
The news comes 40 years after legendary Scotland and Celtic manager Jock Stein died from a pulmonary edema at the end of a Scotland v Wales match in qualifying for the 1986 World Cup.
Zizovic had a 19-year playing career and won two caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a midfielder.
He spent most of his career in his home country, but also played in Albania before turning to management in 2017 following his retirement.
He had only been appointed by Radnicki 1923 – based in Serbia’s fourth-largest city Kragujevac – 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 Zizovic, 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.”
2025-11-04T11:23:36Z