West Ham star Kurt Zouma has escaped a possible investigation by the Metropolitan Police after kicking and slapping his family cat.
According to the report by Metro News, West Ham star Kurt Zouma will not be investigated or face any criminal charges despite the disturbing video footage that emerged online last night which showed the 27-year-old kicking and hitting his cat.
The Sun obtained footage of Zouma kicking and slapping the cat in his home and the Frenchman has subsequently apologised for his actions.
Zouma’s brother, Yoan, filmed the incident and uploaded the video on to his Snapchat account on Sunday.
The former Chelsea defender is seen chasing the cat through the house and the cat is clearly distressed.
Zouma picks the cat up at one point before dropping it and kicking it across the floor, while the final part of the video shows him chasing the Bengal cat out of the house.
Zouma was quick to apologise for the video, insisting that the cats are ‘cherished’ by the entire family.
‘I want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video,’ said Zouma.
‘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.’
West Ham condemned Zouma’s actions, saying they will deal with the matter internally.
‘West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,’ a statement read.
‘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.’
The RSPCA suggested they will investigate the video.
‘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.’