Kurt Zouma, the France defender, was “unreservedly condemned” by West Ham following the release of a video showing him kicking his cat across the floor and smacking it in the face.
After expressing regret, Zouma was selected to start in Tuesday’s Premier League encounter against Watford.
According to Essex Police, “urgent enquiries are ongoing” and they are in contact with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
The club has stated that they will handle the situation internally.
Regarding the choice to start Zouma in Tuesday’s home match, West Ham manager David Moyes stated: “He is one of our better players.” That is a different issue, though, as the club is handling it and it is still happening.”
The 27-year-old Zouma issued a statement saying, “I want to apologize for my conduct. I truly apologize for my behavior, and there are no justifications for it.
“I also want to express my sincere apologies to whomever the video offended. I want to reassure everyone that both of our kitties are doing great and are in good health.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behavior was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
“Players need to be aware of their duty to impact society.”
Additional video, which was shot by Zouma’s brother Yoan and was first released by The Sun, purports to show the player hurling shoes at the animal and following it about the space.
Kurt Zouma was recruited by West Ham United for £29.8 million in the summer from Chelsea. “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video that has circulated,” the team stated.
“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.”
Dagenham & Redbridge, a National League team, stated that it “has had discussions with Yoan and we will now take some time to consider our response”. Yoan Zouma is a player for the team.
The organization continued: “In the meantime, we would like to make it completely clear that we in no way condone any form of cruelty towards animals and take this matter very seriously.”
Yoan Zouma released the following statement: “I sincerely apologize for my part in the video that has gone viral and I genuinely regret the hurt and anguish this has caused so many people, not just for my conduct.
“I am now taking time to reflect on what I have done but wish to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident and not something that I am proud of.”
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