Quebec soccer leaders condemn an assault, filmed on video, on a teenage referee by an adult who came down to the field to physically confront him.

Soccer Quebec said in a statement on Monday, "A video circulated on social media since the end of last weekend shows a minor assistant referee being attacked by an adult who comes down from the stands to confront him."

"We strongly condemn this violent act that has no place anywhere, not even on a soccer field."

The video shows a 17-year-old boy, wearing a yellow and black referee uniform, standing on the sidelines of a soccer field while an adult man steps onto the field, argues with him, and quickly punches him in the head.

The boy tries to defend himself, they scuffle while others rush to try to pull the man away, who is said to be the father of one of the players.

Soccer Quebec said the boy was refereeing a U14 match at the time, and the attack led to the premature end of the game.

The organization's general manager condemned the man's actions towards the teenager and said there is "zero tolerance" for violence against referees, especially those who are still teenagers.

"But I unreservedly condemn this assault and remind that there is no reason that justifies the attack." The incident did not end there.

Montreal police said on Monday that they had not yet received a complaint regarding the matter, but they are looking into it. The sports association also stated that it will take necessary measures regarding the incident.

They added, "Authorities have been informed of the situation." "On our side, reviews are underway to activate our disciplinary mechanisms" even the regional minister responsible for sports participated on Monday after watching the video.

Minister Isabelle Charest, who was formerly a speed skater at the Olympic Games, tweeted that this is "unacceptable" and "Instead of attacking referees, we should encourage them."

"I call on all parents, let us all be ambassadors of sportsmanship, violence is unacceptable, period!"

Soccer Quebec's refereeing director, Nathaniel De Wilde, added that referees are "part of the game" and that people need to keep this in mind more when young people are "learning," saying young referees "need support and encouragement from the community."