A video of the West Ham defender Kurt Zouma hitting a cat caused an uproar in social networks.
After the video went viral, the authorities took action on the matter, and the player received a fine of £ 250,000.
The RSPCA has taken the cats away from the player. A statement from the charity Animal Welfare on Wednesday read: “Two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and always has been the well-being of These cats.
“The cats Have Been taken for a check-up at the vets and will REMAIN in our care while the investigation Continues.
“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats.
“We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation. We continue to investigate, so we can not comment further at this time.”
Zouma issued an apology after the incident, and now West Ham is also investigating the incident internaly.
In a statement, the club said it condemns the facts and confirms the player’s fine. “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 cooperating 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.”
