Nigeria, April 9 -- Kano Pillars have begun an investigation into a viral photo showing one of their officials brutally attacking a center referee during the club's U-19 match against Kwara United in Kwara State yesterday.

"The management of Kano Pillars FC is aware of a disturbing image circulating on social media involving a member of our traveling contingent to Ilorin for the ongoing Nationwide Under-19 Youth League.

We want to categorically state that Kano Pillars FC strongly condemns any form of violence, misconduct, or hooliganism-whether on or off the pitch. The club has immediately launched an internal investigation and is currently reviewing video footage of the match in question to ascertain the facts.

Appropriate disciplinar...