Kurt Zouma is expected to be dropped for West Ham’s match against Watford tonight as the club decide what action to take against the France defender after a video emerged of him kicking and slapping a cat.
West Ham are facing calls to sack Zouma after a disturbing video surfaced online in which he is seen drop-kicking his pet Bengal cat across his kitchen floor.
Zouma released a statement saying he is “deeply sorry” but sources close to the player indicated he was not expecting to play against Watford.
West Ham have “unreservedly condemned” Zouma and this morning the club said they were dealing with the matter internally as manager David Moyes and senior club officials considered what disciplinary action to take, which could include suspension and/or a heavy fine.
In the footage of Zouma, thought to be filmed by his brother Yoan and posted to Snapchat on Sunday, he also chases his cat, before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head. The Metropolitan Police said this morning they will not be investigating the incident.
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 our player, 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.”
Zouma, who joined from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth almost £30million, said: “I want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video.
“I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
Zouma twisted his knee in Saturday’s FA Cup win at Kidderminster but Moyes said yesterday, before the footage was made public, that he expected him to play tonight.
West Ham are facing calls to take strong action against the 27-year-old, who has only just returned following seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.
Zouma is a key player for West Ham and an enforced spell out of the team would be a huge blow to the club’s bid to qualify for the Champions League. The Hammers are already without Angelo Ogbonna for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
BBC presenter Gabby Logan posted on Twitter: “I think I would probably get rid of a player who kicked and hit an animal for ‘laughs’ in his kitchen. All in front of his child.”
