Footballer kicks cat and causes scandal

A day after West Ham's FA Cup win over Kidderminster, Kurt Zouma caused a scandal. The 27-year-old defender was filmed by his brother on Sunday morning in his kitchen picking up his cat, dropping it and kicking it across the kitchen. The former Chelsea defender can also be seen chasing his Bengal cat across the dining room in front of a child while the cameraman, his brother, laughs.

As if that wasn't enough, a next clip follows in which the €37m player throws a pair of shoes at the animal as it tries to escape. A final clip shows him punching the cat in the face and out of the child's arms. Despite these blatant videos, the Frenchman does not have to expect any criminal charges because the police are not pursuing the case any further.

“I also want to tell everyone how sorry I am”

Premier League club West Ham United commented on the Zouma scandal: "We have spoken to Kurt and will deal with the matter internally, but want to make it clear that we do not condone animal cruelty in any way." Zouma himself also spoke up: "I also want to say to everyone how sorry I am for everyone who was upset about the video." And further: "I want to assure everyone that our two cats are doing perfectly well and are healthy. They are loved and valued by our entire family and this behavior was an isolated case that will not happen again. 'The Premier League is a record richer after the cat scandal. Because only last week Mason Greenwood caused horror in England. The 20-year-old Manchester United striker has been arrested by police on suspicion of raping and assaulting a woman. Previously, Harriet Robson, the footballer's model and ex-girlfriend, posted multiple Instagram Stories of her bruised body. The English talent was released on bail last Wednesday afternoon. However, the player himself has not yet commented on the allegations.

More Premier League scandals

Manchester City professional Benjamin Mendy caused another sex scandal. The France international is accused of raping women on seven occasions between October 2020 and August 2021. All these acts are said to have been committed mainly in his home in England. In addition, one of the victims is said to be a minor. The French soccer star was in custody for several months. He was released on bail in January and is now awaiting trial.

Another case hit the English media last summer. On June 16, 2021, an Everton player was arrested after suspicions became public that the 31-year-old allegedly abused minors. For legal reasons, the authorities will not reveal the identity of the man. Everton FC only confirm on their website that a first-team player has been suspended following a police investigation.

(L'essentiel/Anamaria Peyer)