Surrey Police have confirmed they are liaising with the RSPCA after a video of West Ham player Kurt Zouma was shared online, showing the defender kicking a cat.
Zouma has come in for heavy criticism since The Sun released the disturbing footage on Monday night (February 7), with many calling for the club to sack their summer signing with immediate effect.
The 27-year-old left Chelsea at the end of last season and has made 12 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side so far in the 2021-22 campaign.
His future now looks uncertain, with the Hammers releasing a statement on the video on Tuesday morning, in which they strongly condemned the player’s actions.
Their statement read: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
“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.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that they would not be investigating the incident.
However, as per the Evening Standard, Surrey Police have now confirmed they have launched enquiries into the incident, which allegedly took place in the player’s home in Surrey.
In a statement released to the publication, they confirmed: “Enquiries are underway after we received an allegation earlier today (February 8), in relation to an animal being abused at an address in north Surrey.
“The allegations were received after a video emerged over the weekend showing a cat being ill-treated.
“We are currently liaising with the RSPCA with a view to carrying out a joint investigation into the matter. Enquiries remain ongoing and we will provide further updates in due course.”
The Frenchman released his own apology, insisting that the incident was an isolated one.
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video,” he said. “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.”
Zouma’s kit provider adidas also confirmed they have launched an investigation.
“We are aware of a deeply upsetting video circulating online. No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally,” adidas said in a statement.