Tragedy struck Serbian soccer on Monday as Mladen Žižović, the head coach of top-flight side FK Radnički 1923, died at age 44 after suffering a heart attack during a match.

Žižović collapsed midway through the first half of an away match at Mladost Lučani. Play was halted as medics worked on the coach, but the match resumed after he was taken away.

However, minutes later, news of Žižović's death arrived and the match was suspended. Players on both teams collapsed to the pitch upon learning of the coach's death.

"Our club has lost not only a great specialist but above all a good person, a friend, and a sports worker who, with his knowledge, energy, and nobility, left a deep mark in the hearts of all who knew him," FK Radnički 1923 said in a statement.

"Football Club Radnički 1923 extends its sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who shared a love for football with him. Rest in peace, Mladen."

Žižović played profesionally for almost two decades, briefly representing the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.

In 2017 he moved into coaching, going on to manage clubs including Radnik Bijeljina, Zrinjski Mostar, and Sloboda Tuzla in his native country. Žižović was coaching just his third game for Radnički.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association released a statement saying that the "football community has lost another true football professional."

"During his rich playing career, Žižović played for numerous clubs in the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most notably HSK Zrinjski Mostar, FK Radnik Bijeljina and FK Borac Banja Luka, and he also wore the jersey of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team," the statement continued.

"After ending his playing career, he dedicated himself to coaching, leading clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

"His untimely passing represents a great loss for Bosnian-Herzegovinian football."

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: Serbian league coach Zizovic, 44, dies of heart attack mid-game

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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