French centre-back Kurt Zouma has landed in hot water after a video of him abusing his cat went viral on social media. Fans were quick to criticise him, and they were even more incensed when the Frenchman was included in the West Ham lineup to face Watford in the Premier League on February 8. The player has subsequently been axed from the West Ham squad and fined.
After a vile video of Zouma kicking and abusing his cat started making rounds on social media, fans were quick to point fingers at him for his disgusting behaviour. What shocked and surprised them even more, is when manager David Moyes feigned oblivion to the situation and decided to start him for the Premier League clash against Watford.
Zouma rightly got booed by both sets of fans. After he went down holding his leg following a collision with Josh King, Watford fans sang,
‘That’s how your cat feels!’
Responding to the fan outrage since then, the Hammers have looked into the matter and have decided to axe him from the squad. He has also been fined two weeks’ pay of 250,000 pounds which will be donated to animal charities and welfare associations. Zouma won’t be featuring in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City, and his cats have also been seized by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSPCA.
The club also confirmed that Zouma has been fined the ‘maximum amount possible following his actions in the video.’
“The player has immediately accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities. West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt’s actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.”
An RSPCA spokesperson mentioned that both his cats are now with them, and vets have been appointed to monitor their health and well-being.
“The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats. They’ve been taken for a check-up at vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.
“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.”
