In extraordinary scenes in Serbia, Radnicki 1923 manager Mladen Zizovic collapsed on the touchline midway through the first half of his side’s match with Mladost on Sunday evening. Play was halted while medics fought to save Zizovic, a former Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder, before he was taken to hospital.
The match resumed, with play continuing until nearly half-time, but was abandoned when news that Zizovic had died was confirmed. Footage of the abandonment shows players from both sides slumping to the turf in shock.
Radnicki player Mehmed Cosic said his manager had earlier complained about feeling unwell after eating some fish he refused to finish.
The death of Zizovic, who was appointed less than a fortnight ago and was taking charge of just his third game, triggered a wave of tributes.
Radnicki said in a statement: “Our club has lost not only a great professional but above all a good man, a friend and a sportsman who, with his knowledge, energy and nobility has left a deep mark on the hearts of all who knew him.”
