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French defender, Kurt Zouma has been fined £250,000 for mistreating his pet cat, Premier League club, West Ham has announced on Wednesday.
Society gazette reports that a disturbing video emerged of the defender hitting, dropping, and kicking his pet across his kitchen floor on Monday.
The 27-year-old defender issued an apology but Essex Police confirmed that urgent enquiries were underway in conjunction with the RSPCA to address the incident.
In a statement released to reporters, West Ham said it fined the player two weeks wages which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
He wrote: “West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.
“The player has immediately accepted the fine and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities.”
The club initially condemned their player’s actions after the video emerged but backed manager David Moyes’ decision to start the player for the win against Watford on Tuesday night.
Moyes has said Zouma would remain available for selection while the club’s internal investigation run its course.
Adidas Drop Zouma
In a related development, Adidas has confirmed that Zouma is no longer associated with the company after “investigating the incident internally”.
A statement read: “We have concluded our investigation and can confirm Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas contracted athlete.”
Adidas had earlier said: “No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse.”
Vitality Suspend Sponsorship
Also, West Ham’s wellness partner, Vitality, has suspended its sponsorship of the club with immediate effect.
“We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma. At Vitality, we condemn animal cruelty and violence of any kind,” a statement read.
