Kurt Zouma Could Be Clearing Canals As Part Of Community Service After Kicking Cat
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has been given community service after being recorded kicking his cat, which he faces having to carry out in public.
The 27-year-old French pro player was charged with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act back in May after footage circulated of him on social media in February of him volleying his pet across the kitchen.
Zouma's 24-year-old brother Yoan was also reprimanded for the incident.
While the duo were hoping to get away with not having to do community service in public, they may not have gotten off quite so lightly.
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As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, many people set to do community service have been able to complete unpaid work at home. However, Zouma and his brother haven't been so fortunate.
Not only are the pair set to do their community service in public, but their duties could include tackling graffiti, grounds maintenance, shovelling and litter-picking.
Zouma will subsequently be swapping his West Ham shirt for a bright yellow hi-vis vest.
A whistleblower told The Sun: "This should be a big wake-up call to anyone in the public eye that if you do bad things you’ll be treated like anyone else.
"If he ends up clearing out canals then he’s only got himself to blame. Celebrities always seem to get better treatment when they do wrong.
"This time around that’s not going to happen and I’m really pleased."
Zouma is set to complete a total of 180 hours of community service in public for abusing his cat.
The Ministry of Justice noted it has 'boosted the time spent by offenders doing tough, visible, unpaid work each year by an extra three million hours'.
West Ham also fined Zouma two weeks' wages – equating to £250,000 ($339,000). The payment was donated to nine different animal welfare charities.
The footballer apologised for his actions, reflecting to Sky News there were 'no excuses for [his] behaviour'.
He continued: "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."
Despite his apology, Zouma has continued to face heavy criticism from football fans and other members of the public.
However, West Ham manager David Moyes has pressed for the footballer to be forgiven.
After West Ham's draw with Leicester, Moyes said: "Obviously, a player has made a mistake, but there are plenty of managers and players that have made mistakes.
"Somewhere along the line you always hope there is a little bit of forgiveness and people are willing to accept that they make a mistake in an apology and we hope that’s the case.
"We all make mistakes and we should be willing to give second chances as there is reformation in that too."
Amid his 180 hours of community service, Zouma is still currently training and is set to continue playing for his team.
Poppy Bilderbeck