February 13, 2025

Kurt Zouma to face a disciplinary after video of him kicking cat emerges

Kurt Zouma will face a disciplinary hearing at West Ham United after he was filmed kicking and slapping his cat with his sponsors, Adidas probing the incident.

Zouma, 27, is seen in video acquired by The Sun dropping the cat from chest height and kicking it as it lands. He then pursues it around the living room, throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping it in the face at one point.

On Sunday afternoon, Zouma’s brother shared the footage on Snapchat.

On Monday night, West Ham released a statement condemning the film, and Zouma will face a tribunal at his club.

Adidas, who sponsors Zouma, has also confirmed that they are looking into the event.

A statement from the sportswear brand said: “We are aware of a deeply upsetting video circulating online. No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally.”

The east London club’s statement on Monday night 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.”

Kurt Zouma added: “I want to apologize for my actions. There are no excuses for my behavior, 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 behavior was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”

“This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association Maheta Molango said: “It is not for us to discipline him, it is for the employer to discipline, but our role is to tell the player this type of behaviour is not acceptable.

“I haven’t seen the video but I read he has apologised, which is hopefully a sign from him that this type of behaviour is not acceptable.”

Zouma has made 15 appearances for West Ham this season, having only just returned from a hamstring injury which saw him miss 11 games.

Yoan Zouma added: “I deeply regret my involvement in the video that has been widely circulated and unreservedly apologise, not only for my actions, but for the upset and distress this will have caused to so many people.

“I am now taking time to reflect on what I have done but wish to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident and not something that I am proud of.”

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