West Ham's wellness partner Vitality have suspended their sponsorship at the club over the Hammers response to the vile videos of Kurt Zouma attacking his pet cat.
Zouma has been fined two weeks' wages by West Ham but was available for selection on Tuesday evening despite the footage of his attack being made public on Monday night.
A number of West Ham's sponsors are 'evaluating their relationship' with the club as a result of this decision and Vitality have gone one step further and suspended their sponsorship.
"We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma. At Vitality, we condemn animal cruelty and violence of any kind. We are hugely disappointed by the judgement subsequently shown by the club in response to this incident," a statement read.
"As such, we are suspending our sponsorship of West Ham United with immediate effect. We will now be further engaging with the club to understand what actions they will be taking to address the situation."
Zouma has seen his two pet cats taken into care by the RSPCA as a result of the video with the charity and Essex Police investigating the incident.
The French defender has also seen a complaint filed in his homeland that could see him face up to four years in prison under tough new animal protection laws.
A legal complaint has been filed against Zouma in Paris with lawyers working for the 30 Million Friends Foundation ( La Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis ), the largest animal rights group in France, contacting prosecutors according to The Mirror.
A spokesman for the Foundation said: ‘We condemn this heinous act, have asked that the player be suspended from the France team, and filed a legal complaint against him.’
According to article 113-6 in the French Penal Code, a French citizen can be prosecuted for criminal acts carried out abroad.
Strict new animal protection laws were introduced in France last year, meaning that the ‘mistreatment of animals’ is now punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine equivalent to £50,000.
Club sponsor Experience Kissimmee were unhappy with Zouma's inclusion yesterday and tweeted: "It was disheartening to learn that the player Kurt Zouma was part of the starting line in West Ham United’s game tonight. As we wait for further information from WHU, we will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club."
Fellow sponsors Yield App responded to Zouma's inclusion with their own statement via social media:
"As an official partner of West Ham United, we are disheartened following the club's decision to play Kurt Zouma in last night's match against Watford. We will subsequently be reviewing our partnership with the club as we likewise condemn Zouma's actions in the video circulating."
Zouma has apologised for his actions and accepted the fine handed down by West Ham with the club condemning the player's behaviour.
