WWE star Drew McIntyre has described West Ham defender Kurt Zouma as “disgusting” after a video emerged of him kicking one of his cats.
The Frenchman, 27, was seen throwing shoes at the cat, slapping its face, and kicking the animal across the floor.
The clip, filmed by the footballer’s brother, has sparked uproar and some have called for Zouma to be sacked by his club.
After initially declaring they would not be conducting an investigation, the police will now be looking into the incident after being inundated with complaints.
One of those who criticised Zouma for his actions is former WWE champion McIntyre, who was deeply distressed by the footage.
"I'm struggling to put into words how I feel about this distressing footage. Truly disgusting actions from Kurt Zouma who is meant to be a role model,” the 2020 Royal Rumble winner tweeted.
“No helpless animal should ever be subject to abuse like this. I would like to know how West Ham plan to punish these actions?"
The London club have "unreservedly condemned" the centre-back and Essex Police are in contact with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and say "urgent enquiries are ongoing".
"West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video that has circulated," said the club.
"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 signed for West Ham from Chelsea for £29.8m, was included in the starting lineup for West Ham’s home game with Watford and manager David Moyes commented on the decision.
"He is one of our better players," Moyes said. "But it is ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter."
The Champions League winner released a statement of his own in which he apologised for his actions.
"I want to apologise for my actions," Zouma said. "There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.
"I also 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."
