West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma’s mistreatment of his cat has seen both the player and his Premier League club lose sponsors.
The France international defender, who was selected against Watford in the Premier League on 8th February, has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping the pet.
Zouma, who is under investigation by the RSPCA after his two cats were taken into the care of the charity, has been fined ‘the maximum amount possible’ by West Ham.
The RSPCA swiftly rebuked the ‘very upsetting’ video after it surfaced online and will be leading the investigation while co-operating with Essex Police.
More than 280,000 people have now signed an online petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, calling for Zouma to be prosecuted amid a growing public backlash.
West Ham announced on 9th February that the 27-year-old, who has apologised, had been fined two weeks’ wages – reported to be in the region of UK£250,000 (US$339,000) – which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
Zouma and West Ham are co-operating fully with the RSCPA-led investigation.
German sportswear giant Adidas – the defender’s official personal kit supplier – confirmed ties had been cut with the player.
Vitality confirmed it was suspending sponsorship as West Ham’s official wellness partner and would be ‘further engaging with the club to understand what actions they will be taking to address the situation’.
Meanwhile, the club’s official destination partner Experience Kissimmee, the tourist board for the Florida city, announced the decision to terminate its own agreement.
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