Cat-kicker Kurt Zouma and his brother Yoan to appear in court as RSPCA start process of bringing prosecution against the pair after video of the West Ham star drop-kicking his pet went viral
- Shocking footage emerged on social media of Kurt kicking a cat in February
- Yoan Zouma, who plays for Dagenham, was the man behind the camera
- The National League club suspended him after the footage went viral online
- The RSPCA launched an full investigation into the suspected cruelty last month
- Hammers boss David Moyes has continued to pick Zouma over the past month
Kurt Zouma is set to be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act after being filmed kicking and slapping one of his pet cats.
News of the RSPCA’s intention to bring a prosecution against the 27-year-old French defender – and his brother, Yoan, the Dagenham & Redbridge player who filmed the footage which went viral last month – came on the eve of the biggest game of West Ham’s season.
They host Sevilla in their Europa League second leg at the London Stadium on Thursday looking to overturn a 1-0 defeat from last week.
Manager David Moyes is still planning to start Kurt, Sportsmail has been told, while 23-year-old defender Yoan will be allowed to play for his National League club while awaiting court.
‘The two cats continue to be cared for by the RSPCA,’ the animal welfare charity said in a statement on Wednesday after concluding their investigation.
The RSPCA are looking to bring prosecution against Kurt Zouma (R) and his brother Yoan (L)
Kurt Zouma was seen kicking his cat in footage which emerged on social media in February
Yoan, who filmed Kurt performing the shocking act, has been suspended by club Dagenham
‘We will be in a position to release more information once a court date is confirmed.’
West Ham fined their player two weeks’ wages worth £250,000, though the club’s response was criticised as weak when they allowed him to continue to play.
That decision was down to Moyes.
The Frenchman has since been booed by rival fans during games and subjected to taunting chants.
As well as the fine from his club, his behaviour cost him lucrative personal endorsements, including an adidas deal believed to be worth £100,000 a year.
West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the player had done was ‘terrible’.
Depending on the evidence produced from the investigation, Zouma’s prosecution could force West Ham to discipline the player further, having already fined him two weeks wages.
The Hammers released a statement shortly after his charge was confirmed, saying: ‘West Ham United is aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma. Kurt continues to co-operate fully, supported by the Club.
‘It is our understanding that Kurt’s cats have been checked by a vet, are in good health and have suffered no physical injuries. For legal reasons, neither Kurt or the Club will be making any further comment at this time.’
Adidas also terminated their contract with Zouma in the aftermath of the footage emerging.
David Moyes has continued to pick Zouma despite admitting his actions were ‘terrible’
However, the German sportswear firm has faced a major backlash over their decision to axe him.
Social media has been rife with assertions that Adidas’ decision to drop him as a client has racist undertones.
The sportswear giants stuck with Luis Suarez despite the striker racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Giorgio Chiellini.
And last week they suspended – but didn’t terminate – their partnership with the Russian Football Union following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.