CW: Animal cruelty
West Ham will deal with the matter internally
Kurt Zouma has apologised after a video of him kicking and slapping his pet cat emerged online.
Late on Monday, a video obtained by The Sun showed the West Ham player abusing his cat while an acquaintance filmed it as they both appeared to laugh.
https://twitter.com/LFCThr3e/status/1490811213227479045
Since the video was released by The Sun, both Zouma and West Ham, who he joined in the summer on a permanent deal from Chelsea, have issued statements.
Zouma said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. 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.”
West Ham have clarified that they have spoken to the player and will deal with the matter internally.
A statement read: “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.”
💬 West Ham and RSPCA make a statement about Kurt Zouma
🗣 "We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally." pic.twitter.com/l7KlEUhyiH
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 8, 2022
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
The Met Police have decided not to investigate the matter.
