Zouma was a surprise inclusion
CW: Animal cruelty
Kurt Zouma was surprisingly named in West Ham United’s starting XI for their game against Watford on Tuesday evening, despite videos circulating on social media of him kicking his pet cat.
Kurt Zouma is surprisingly named in West Ham’s starting XI pic.twitter.com/fJylmCQR6s
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 8, 2022
Footage on social media on Monday night and Tuesday morning showed the defender being filmed both kicking and slapping the animal.
The Frenchman has since apologised and said that “there are no excuses for his behaviour” and that he is ‘deeply sorry to anyone he upset.’
Kurt Zouma has apologised after a video of him kicking his cat surfaced online https://t.co/t8BOX3enaF
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 8, 2022
He 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 also released a statement which 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.”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Tuesday morning that they would not investigate the incident however Surrey Police said that they will.
They said: “Enquiries are underway after we received an allegation earlier today (February 8), in relation to an animal being abused at an address in north Surrey.
“The allegations were received after a video emerged over the weekend showing a cat being ill-treated.
“We are currently liaising with the RSPCA with a view to carrying out a joint investigation into the matter. Enquiries remain ongoing and we will provide further updates in due course.”
Zouma’s kit supplier Adidas also said they would launch their own internal investigation.
Related links:
- Surrey Police launch enquiry into Kurt Zouma cat attack video
- Kurt Zouma issues apology after video of him kicking his cat surfaces online
- Greater Manchester Police confirm they are investigating online racial abuse of Anthony Elanga
