The Hammers have fined the French defender while supporting the investigations by RSPCA.
Footage of Kurt Zouma slapping and kicking his cat came to light on Monday. Despite huge backlash on social media, the Frenchman started for the Hammers in their 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) seized Zouma’s cats a day later. West Ham have supported the charity’s investigation over Zouma’s alleged animal abuse while confirming they have fined the player two weeks of his wages.
An official club statement reads: “We can confirm that the Club is supporting an RSPCA investigation into the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video circulated online this week.
“Kurt and the Club are co-operating fully with the investigation. The player has willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family’s two cats to the RSPCA for assessment.”
The statement adds: “Separate to the RSPCA’s investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, West Ham 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, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.“
What’s next for Zouma?
West Ham’s fine will most likely be the first of the upcoming punishments for Zouma. The defender could face up to four years in prison in case the new animal protection laws in France find him guilty.
“In the case of Kurt Zouma, the video appears to show aggravating facts. So he could be in very serious trouble,” a source close to the Frenchman’s case told Mirror.
English FA has received widespread criticism for its silence over the issue. The association is the only organization that can ban Zouma from playing in the Premier League.
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