Kurt Zouma should get no special treatment in cat case, says supporters’ trust

West Ham United Supporters’ Trust has called for Kurt Zouma to face the same punishment as anyone else would do over the treatment of his pet cat and suggested that he spends time with the RSPCA to “see the consequences of his own actions”.

The Hammers defender has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal.

The RSPCA swiftly rebuked the “very upsetting” video after it surfaced online and will be leading the investigation and co-operating with Essex Police.

More than 140,000 people have signed an online petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, calling for Zouma to be prosecuted amid a growing public backlash.

While West Ham said they “unreservedly condemn” the actions of Zouma, who has apologised, the France defender was selected by boss David Moyes in the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Watford.

WHUST treasurer Kevin Hind, who was at the game, told the PA news agency: “The video which we saw was absolutely horrific. Cruelty to animals is completely unacceptable.

“These footballers, including Zouma, are role models to people, particularly young people. If they are seen to be getting away with this kind of behaviour then it shows impressionable people that they can also get away with the behaviour too.

“I don’t think any of us were impressed with Zouma having been played last night.”

Hind added: “Professional footballers should not be treated like God – if footballers break the law, they should be punished.

If he is actually prosecuted and it is a fine, I would guess it would not really hit him hard in the pocket- WHUST treasurer Kevin Hind

“In terms of animal cruelty, if this had occurred in any other field of work, the employee concerned would