If Minala is 17, then I can only imagine how is face would be looking at age 40

The Cameroonian's real age was called into question on social media, but the Lazio president has come out in defence of his player

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has slammed the treatment of youngster Joseph Minala after the 17-year-old's age was called into question.

Rumours on social media rapidly circulated that the Cameroonian had lied about his age with one website suggesting he was 42 - a claim furiously denied by Lazio, who were quick to threaten legal action.

Lotito believes Minala deserves to be treated better by the public, particularly given his tough path into professional football.