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Tragedy in Serbia: Coach Dies of Cardiac Arrest During Match as Players Break Down in Shock
Serbian football is in mourning after an unexpected tragedy. Mladen Zizovic, coach of FK Radnicki 1923 collapsed and died during a league match as players watched in disbelief.
A Tragedy on the Pitch
European football woke up to devastating news. A Serbian coach from FK Radnicki 1923, Mladen Zizovic, passed away this weekend at the age of 45 after suffering a cardiac arrest during the league match against Mladost in the Serbian SuperLiga.
Zizovic collapsed near the technical area in the 22nd minute, prompting scenes of panic among players and staff. Medical personnel rushed to perform CPR on the field, but after several minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation attempts, he was urgently transported to the nearest hospital.
The Moment That Stopped the Stadium
Shortly after, the news that no one wanted to hear was confirmed: the coach had not survived. The announcement spread quickly through the stands, and the sight of Radnicki 1923 players breaking down on the field captured the gravity of the tragedy.
The match, which had resumed while the coach was being treated, was immediately suspended once his death was confirmed. Both teams left the pitch in tears, with players embraced by staff and fans applauding in a gesture of respect and solidarity.
The Serbian Federation’s Statement
The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) issued an emotional statement expressing its sorrow:
“The Football Association of Serbia has received with great sadness and disbelief the news of the sudden death Mladen Zizovic, who passed away during the Mozzart Bet SuperLiga match between Mladost and Radnicki 1923 in Lucani. His untimely passing represents a great loss for the entire football community.”
The tragedy has left a deep mark on Balkan football. Beyond results or rivalries, this heartbreaking moment served as a reminder that in football — as in life — nothing matters more than health and human life itself.
