Experience Kissimmee have said they will be ‘evaluating’ their relationship with West Ham
CW: Animal cruelty
One of West Ham United’s sponsors has said that they will evaluate their relationship with the club after footage of Kurt Zouma attacking his pet cat emerged.
The disturbing video, which shows the Frenchman kicking and slapping his cat, has led to widespread condemnation and to Surrey Police launching an investigation into the incident.
Zouma himself apologised before West Ham also released a statement condemning his actions, however the 27-year-old was still named in the side’s starting XI against Watford on Tuesday night.
Manager David Moyes justified his decision by claiming it was based on ‘footballing reasons’ but a petition with almost 100,000 signatures has been made demanding prosecution against Zouma.
The defender could also face prosecution in France with laws in his native country stating that a French citizen can be prosecuted for committing crimes abroad.
Experience Kissimmee are one of the club’s sponsorships but following the release of the footage, confirmed they would “monitor the situation.”
They tweeted: “Experience Kissimmee strongly condemns the actions of player Kurt Zouma. We will be monitoring the situation between Kurt Zouma and West Ham United, as we as an organisation, community, and destination in no way condone animal cruelty.”
Experience Kissimmee strongly condemns the actions of player Kurt Zouma. We will be monitoring the situation between Kurt Zouma and West Ham United, as we as an organization, community, and destination in no way condone animal cruelty.
— Experience Kissimmee (@Kissimmee) February 8, 2022
The account then followed up with another statement after Zouma was confirmed to be playing at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, stating they would ‘evaluate their relationship and sponsorship’ with West Ham.
They added: “It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United’s game tonight. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club.”
It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United’s game tonight. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club.
— Experience Kissimmee (@Kissimmee) February 8, 2022
So far, neither West Ham or Zouma have responded to Experience Kissimmee’s statements.
Related links:
- Kurt Zouma could face four years in prison in France for attacking pet cat
- Chris Kirkland claims Zouma cat video ‘worse than racism’ live on BBC News
- Thousands sign petition demanding Kurt Zouma prosecution after cat attack video
