West Ham United Football Club have responded after a video emerged online of the club’s defender Kurt Zouma kicking and slapping his pet cat in a horrific act of animal abuse, according to netizens.
The footage shows the 27-year-old kicking the cat across the floor and hitting it while another person holds it up for him and laughing behind the camera.
According to Skysports, the Frenchman’s brother, Yoan, is believed to have filmed the incident inside the defender’s home before posting it to Snapchat on Sunday afternoon, just a day after West Ham’s FA Cup fourth-round win at Kidderminster.
The Metropolitan Police in London have declined to investigate the clip, but both animal charity the RSPCA and the Frenchman’s club West Ham have lamented the player’s behaviour.
In a club statement seen by SportsLeo, the club stated, “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.”
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
The RSPCA labelled the video “very upsetting” and suggested an investigation of their own could be carried out.
“This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has since issued an apology for hitting his cat. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
Zouma himself has publicly apologised terming the matter as an isolated incident, with the club set to deal with the incident internally.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video,” he said. “I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.” Said the defender.
Zouma has been a key starter for West Ham this season since moving from Chelsea last summer.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login