The cats kicked by West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma have been seized by the RSPCA as they investigate the viral video. – as he was fined £250,000.
Adidas confirmed Zouma has lost his sponsorship, with the company saying he ‘is no longer a contracted athlete’.
It came as club sponsors Vitality UK said it was suspending its sponsorship, while Experience Kissimmee and Yield App considered its options.
An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed: ‘We’re investigating and the cats are safe and in our care.
‘We have been dealing with this since before the clip went viral online and we need to follow the proper legal process and not discuss due to UK GDPR laws.’
The footballer, who is on £125,000 a week, has been docked two weeks’ wages by his club.
A statement said: ‘West Ham United 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 and 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.
‘Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken.
‘Separate to the RSPCA’s investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, 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, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
‘West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt’s actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.
‘However, we believe it is now important to allow the RSPCA to conduct their investigation in a fair and thorough manner, and will be making no further comment at this stage.’
