Shamed West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma faces up to four years in French prison for slapping and drop-kicking his cat.
Footage of the incident was uploaded to Snapchat by the 27-year-old’s younger brother and obtained by The Sun on Monday evening.
As a consequence, Zouma has faced almost universal condemnation with former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland urging the Hammers to sack a player who cost £29.8million when the east London club signed him from Chelsea last summer.
Zouma issued a speedy apology, but that has done little or nothing to sway public opinion, with a petition calling for legal action to be taken against him already attracting 100,000 signatures.
After initially looking as though he would not face any legal repercussions, Surrey police confirmed on Tuesday evening that ‘enquiries are underway following an allegation in relation to an animal being abused’ and they are now working with the RSPCA with a view to launching a joint investigation.
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, reports that a legal complaint has been filed against the France international in Paris, which in turn has prompted lawyers working for the largest animal rights group in France, La Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis, to contact prosecutors.
A spokesman for the Foundation said: ‘We condemn this heinous act, have asked that the player be suspended from the France team, and filed a legal complaint against him.’
Article 113-6 of the French Penal Code states that a French citizen can be prosecuted for criminal acts carried out abroad. Tough legislation was put in place in France last year which could land anyone guilty of mistreating animals a prison sentence of up to four years.
Despite the mounting backlash, West Ham manager David Moyes last night took the shock decision to select Zouma for his side’s Premier League match against Watford.
Kurt Zouma's apology
‘There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret. I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video.
‘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 was booed by his own supporters, while Watford fans subjected him to chants of ‘RSPCA, RSPCA’.
In an attempt to justify picking the defender, Moyes said: ‘I’m a big animal lover and it’s something that will have affected a lot of people. I was completely disappointed with what I saw and what I was told, but my job was to try and find a way to get a win for West Ham. Some people will be disappointed and I understand that.
‘I’m someone who cares a lot about my dogs and my horses. The club are dealing with it as you well know. I’ve already spoken to him and we’ll move on as much as we can. We understand it’s not something everybody is pleased about. It’s a really poor situation.
‘Was it the wrong call? My feeling was Kurt’s apologised. I understand lots of people won’t just accept that. But I had to do my job then, and that was to pick the best team I could.’
Moyes, himself, is now facing criticism with wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham calling the former Manchester United and Everton manager ‘disgraceful’.
He told BBC Radio Four: ‘It’s a disgraceful decision. Footballers set public standards and David Moyes proved that he doesn’t care about those standards.
‘We cannot condone this behaviour. West Ham should have sent a clear message. People were disgusted by this. Fans were booing.
‘The decision shows a complete disconnect from them. This isn’t an internal matter. It’s a crime. They clearly think they can get away with it because it’s an animal and not a person.’
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