West Ham have now confirmed that multiple donations have been made to animal welfare charities after Kurt Zouma was filmed kicking his cat.
The Frenchman was filmed by his brother, Yoan, and proceeded to harm his cat while laughing and joking about his actions. The video went viral and circled around all major social media platforms due to the vile nature of the incident.
Despite this, Zouma has continued to play for West Ham as David Moyes claimed that the club would deal with the matter internally, while arguing that his job is to pick the best team to play football. But Zouma was fined by the club, and now they have confirmed that donations have been made.
West Ham released a statement on Friday to provide what is likely to be a final update on the situation following in creasing pressure from disgruntled fans. Their statement read: "West Ham United is pleased to confirm that financial donations have been made to a number of animal welfare charities following the Club fine handed to Kurt Zouma.
"A total of nine organisations, supporting the care and wellbeing of animals both in the UK and internationally, have been identified to receive significant payments which will go towards supporting the fantastic work they do. Our team at the West Ham United Foundation, which covers an enormous spectrum of community programmes and charitable causes, conducted a detailed and thorough process to identify the charities who would substantially benefit from a financial contribution.
"This included a number of deserving cases in the Club’s east London and Essex heartland. With members of our Independent Supporters’ Committee using their network of supporters and fan groups to put forward suggestions in our local community.
"Donations have also been made to charities whose work has an international reach, including organisations who have been able to support the shelter, rescue and welfare of animals in Ukraine during the current crisis. They're providing support to animal shelters operating in the country and working with people who have evacuated with their animals because of the war.
"West Ham United would like to thank everyone who contacted the Club to propose animal welfare charities and good causes, along with our supporters who have been involved in the process of identifying those who have received financial support, ensuring that a huge positive has come from something negative."
Zouma was fined £250,000 by West Ham for his actions which is supposedly two weeks wages, and the "maximum amount possible" the club could fine him. The Frenchman also had his two cats taken away from him by the RSPCA to ensure their safety.
The defender may have kept his place in the West Ham team, but it hasn't stopped multiple fans from booing him during matches, with various signs condemning his actions. The 27-year-old has even been jeered by his own supporters following the shocking video, which resulted in his brother being suspended.
Whereas Kurt carried on, his brother was exiled from the Dagenham and Redbridge team, but has since made a return after not playing a game since January 29. Last month he apologised for the video and expressed his regret, and he has now been integrated back into their National League squad.
Dagenham and Redbridge released the following statement: "The club feels that any further suspension from the team would be detrimental to both the club and Yoan. A decision has been made therefore for Yoan to be available to play.
"The club reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary after the conclusion of the court proceedings."
