Players in tears as manager succumbs amid game
The coach was recently appointed of the football club in October
Athletes collapsed on the field weeping as they learned of their manager's death in the middle of a match in the Serbian SuperLiga
FK Radnicki 1923 coach the 44-year-old fell suddenly and was given medical attention on the sidelines before being rushed to a healthcare center during his team's match at Mladost Lucani on Monday
The professional game proceeded but was abandoned just prior to the interval when information of the manager's demise arrived at the ground
Footage of the contest showed team members and personnel from each team in distress at the news
Previously a Bosnian national team member, 44, was recently selected leader of the football club on late October
"The organization has been deprived of not only a great professional but most importantly a decent person, a companion, and a athlete who, with his expertise, energy and integrity has created lasting memories on the hearts of all who knew him"
The Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association said its "football community has lost another dedicated sports professional" with his passing
"During his rich playing career, the manager was part of multiple teams in the first tier of Bosnia and Herzegovina, most notably his former club, Radnik Bijeljina and a third organization, and he also wore the jersey of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team"
"Upon completing his professional playing days, he dedicated himself to coaching, leading organizations in the region and surrounding countries"
"The premature death signifies a great loss for the country's soccer"
"Your love for football and the legacy you left will be remembered by all for all time"
Prominent teams also paid tribute, including the renowned team, who passed on their "most sincere sympathies"
