West Ham defender Kurt Zouma apologises over video which allegedly shows him abusing pet cat

West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma has issued an apology after a disturbing video surfaced, allegedly showing the defender physically abusing his pet cat.

The shocking footage – originally posted on Snapchat by Zouma’s brother, Yoan, and obtained by The Sun – appears to capture the 27-year-old kick, slap and throw objects at the animal.

The report claims the clip was filmed in Zouma’s £2million mansion at the weekend and it’s believed the France international could be prosecuted as a consequence of his actions.

In a statement to the Sun, Zouma said: ‘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.’

West Ham, meanwhile, confirmed they would be launching an internal investigation in the matter.

‘West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,’ a club spokesperson told the publication.

‘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.’

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Zouma completed a £30million move from Chelsea to West Ham last August and put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the London Stadium.

The Frenchman