Jake Massey
Kurt Zouma has been roundly booed after stepping on to the pitch for the first time since a video of him kicking a cat emerged. Watch here:
The Frenchman started for West Ham tonight (Tuesday 8 February) in their Premier League match against Watford after The Sun shared footage of the defender volleying his cat across the kitchen and slapping it.
Footage shared by journalist Hal Fish showed Zouma being roundly booed in the London Stadium.
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When Zouma went down injured during the match, Watford fans could be heard chanting 'that's how your cat feels'.
In a statement, the 27-year-old - who is an ambassador for a French animal charity - said of the video: "I want to apologise for my actions. 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."
Speaking about the decision to start Zouma in tonight's match, manager David Moyes said: "He is one of our better players. But it is ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter."
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The club has also released a statement, explaining that the matter was being 'dealt with internally'.
A spokesperson said: "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."
Zouma has been widely condemned over the videos, and many were surprised that West Ham elected to select him for tonight's match.
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The RSPCA said in a statement: "This is a very upsetting video. It's never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.
"We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare."