Kurt Zouma’s brother Yoan has issued an apology over the disturbing video which shows the West Ham defender kicking and slapping his cat.
West Ham are facing calls to sack Zouma after footage surfaced online in which he is seen drop-kicking his pet Bengal cat across his kitchen floor.
The video, posted to Snapchat on Sunday, is thought to have been filmed by his brother Yoan.
Yoan plays for National League side Dagenham and Redbridge, who have released a statement in which he says he “deeply regrets” his involvement.
"I deeply regret my involvement in the video that has been widely circulated and unreservedly apologise, not only for my actions, but for the upset and distress this will have caused to so many people,” said Yoan.
"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."
His club Dagenham and Redbridge have said they are taking the matter “very seriously”.
In a statement, they said: “Since first becoming aware of the incident this morning the club has had discussions with Yoan and we will now take some time to consider our response, which we will of course make public in due course.
“However, 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.”
Police said this morning they will not be investigating.
But the RSPCA, who would likely lead on prosecuting cases like this, confirmed it was looking into the matter and was urged to launch an investigation following complaints.
A West Ham statement said: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of 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.”
