[ad_1]
West Ham United have “unreservedly condemned” Kurt Zouma for hitting his cat after a video emerged of the France defender kicking and slapping his pet.
The video reveals 27-year-old Zouma kicking the cat throughout the ground and slapping it within the face.
He has apologised and the membership say they may cope with the incident internally.
“I wish to apologise for my actions. There aren’t any excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely remorse,” the centre-back stated in a press release.
“I additionally wish to say how deeply sorry I’m to anybody who was upset by the video. I wish to guarantee everybody that our two cats are completely high quality and wholesome.
“They’re beloved and cherished by our complete household, and this behaviour was an remoted incident that won’t occur once more.”
Additional footage, first revealed by The Solar and reportedly filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan, reveals the participant throwing sneakers on the pet and chasing it round a room.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of Kurt Zouma within the video that has circulated,” stated the membership, who signed the defender in the summertime from Chelsea for £29.8m.
“We’ve spoken to Kurt and might be coping with the matter internally, however we wish to make it clear that we under no circumstances condone cruelty in the direction of animals.”
An RSPCA spokesperson stated: “This can be a very upsetting video. It is by no means acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or in any other case.
“We’re so grateful to individuals who report suspected animal struggling to us and we wish to reassure folks we are going to at all times look into and, if crucial, examine any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
Zouma was additionally criticised by Skilled Footballers’ Affiliation chief government Maheta Molango as he gave proof to a Digital, Tradition, Media and Sport choose committee on Tuesday.
“It’s not for us to self-discipline him, it’s for the employer to self-discipline, however our position is to inform the participant this sort of behaviour will not be acceptable,” he stated.
The Metropolitan Police is not going to examine the incident.
[ad_2]