West Ham Have Condemned A Defender After Video Of Him Striking A Pet Cat Surfaced

Kurt Zouma has been "unconditionally condemned" by West Ham United for kicking and slapping his cat in a video that has gone viral.

Zouma, 27, is seen kicking the cat across the floor and smacking it in the face in the footage.

He has apologized, and the club has stated that the situation will be handled internally.

"I'd like to express my regret for my acts. In a statement, the centre-back stated, "There are no justifications for my behavior, which I profoundly regret."

"I also want to express my heartfelt apologies to everyone who was offended by the video. I'd like to reassure everyone that our two cats are doing fine and are in good health.

"Our entire family loves and cherishes them, and this was an isolated occurrence that will not happen again."

Further footage, which was initially released by The Sun and is said to have been shot by Zouma's brother Yoan, shows the player tossing shoes at the animal and chasing it about the room.

"West Ham United firmly condemns Kurt Zouma's behavior in the video that has circulated," said the club, which purchased the defender from Chelsea for £29.8 million in the summer.

"We have spoken with Kurt and will be dealing with the situation internally, but we want to be clear that we do not condone animal cruelty."

"This is an extremely disturbing video," an RSPCA spokeswoman stated. Kicking or hitting an animal is never appropriate.