Shocking video
Footballer kicks cat: now animal abuser Zouma and his club are feeling the consequences
Kurt Zouma in the game against Watford FC – despite the allegations, he was in the starting XI of West Ham United
© Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Footballer Kurt Zouma severely abused his cat, a video of which has been circulating on the internet. The player now has to pay a hefty fine – and his club is also coming under fire.
The abuse of his cat has consequences for footballer Kurt Zouma. His club, English Premier League club West Ham United, has fined Zuma the “highest possible”, the club said. That would be two weeks’ salary. According to English media reports, the penalty should be 250,000 British pounds, the equivalent of 300,000 euros.
In addition, sponsor Adidas has ended its collaboration with the 27-year-old. The sporting goods manufacturer said “that we have investigated the incident and have to say that Kurt Zouma is no longer an Adidas athlete”. It is still unclear whether further sanctions will follow from his club.
Video online: footballer Kurt Zouma kicks his cat
The two cats are now in the care of the British animal welfare organization RSPCA. A video surfaced this week showing Zouma picking up his cat, then dropping it and kicking it. The images also showed the footballer hitting the animal and throwing shoes at it.
The police are now also investigating the incident. Almost 280,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the France international to also be prosecuted. “In the UK we have laws against animal cruelty. Laws that should apply whether someone is rich or poor,” it says. Zouma has apologized for the mistreatment of his cat: “There is no justification for my behavior, which I seriously regret,” said the Frenchman. According to West Ham United, he is fully cooperating with the investigating authorities.
West Ham United under pressure
The scandal surrounding the defender puts the club in an awkward position. While the club strongly condemned Zouma’s actions, the Frenchman was in the starting line-up for that evening’s game against Waterford FC. After the game, coach David Moyes said he wanted to field “the best team”, and Zouma was “one of the better players”. The decision caused great resentment: the opponent’s fans mercilessly whistled at Zouma, and their own supporters were also dissatisfied despite the 1-0 win.
According to the BBC, the West Ham supporters’ representation is calling for the player to be suspended and banned from playing for the club until the investigation is complete. Gary Lineker, English football legend and now TV presenter, also spoke of a “horrific decision”. The pressure on the club is increasing: the sponsor Vitality UK – an insurance company – has already ended its involvement as a result of the incident, and other companies are said to be considering such a step.
Sources: West Ham United / RSPCA on Twitter / Petition on change.org / BBC / Gary Lineker on Twitter / Vitality UK on Twitter