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West Ham ace Kurt Zouma issues grovelling apology over horrifying video showing him slapping and kicking cat

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WEST Ham ace Kurt Zouma has issued a grovelling apology overnight after a horrifying video of him kicking a cat like a football emerged on Snapchat.

The Premier League defender could face a criminal prosecution if the RSPCA deems his kicking and slapping of the helpless pet illegal behaviour.

Kurt Zouma says his two cats are ‘perfectly fine and healthy’ after shocking footage emerged of him booting one like a football
The disturbing clips were posted on Snapchat by his brotherCredit: Supplied

Ironically, the 27-year-old is an ambassador for a charity which protects abused big cats.

But in the disturbing clip, posted by his brother on Snapchat, the France international is seen volleying his poor Bengal cat across his kitchen.

He then chases it with a pair of designer shoes across his dining room and slaps it across the face – and out of child’s arms.

The poor creature scurries off in terror after the attack.

Zouma, 27, last night apologised after the emergence of the sick clips, which were filmed at his £2million house on Sunday afternoon – a day after he appeared for West Ham in the FA Cup.

“I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.

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“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.

It comes as:

“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”

It is understood the £30million former Chelsea player was furious that the Bengal — an expensive breed of domesticated cat that looks like a small leopard — messed up his house.

A source said: “It seemed that Kurt had got angry at the cat for accidentally smashing some sort of vase and tearing down a light fixture from the kitchen cupboard.

“But what he does next is completely unacceptable. Kurt kicks it, throws shoes at it and then slaps it. The poor cat looked so scared.”

West Ham says the matter will be dealt with internally.

“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,” a spokesperson said.

CLUB’S FURY

“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.”

But thousands of people have contacted the RSPCA urging the charity to prosecute. The Met Police says it won’t probe the matter, although the RSPCA has its own powers to take the video further if it sees fit.

The issue has also been discussed on breakfast television.

Susanna Reid told Good Morning Britain viewers: “There is something sickening about the defensive abuse of a helpless animal.

“Why would you do that? What on earth possesses you to mistreat an animal like that? And then thinking it’s a good laugh.”

Her co-star Richard Madeley replied: “Power and control.

“I think there needs to be a prosecution.”

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New legislation brought in last year means animal abusers in Britain could face up to five years in prison instead of just six months previously. 

Zouma is likely to be dropped for West Ham’s Premier League clash against Watford tonight as the club disciplines the player.

It is thought the Hammers star man could be at least fined wages for the shamed clips, which fans have complained puts their season in jeopardy.

Thousands have complained to the RSPCA – while Richard Madeley says ‘there should be a prosecution’Credit: Rex
Susanna Reid sickened and ‘can’t watch’ as West Ham ace Kurt Zouma is filmed KICKING and slapping his cat in horrific video

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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