Sponsors suspend deals with West Ham, Zouma after video outrage

France International and West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma has been dropped by Adidas and sponsors have re-considered their deals with the Premier League club as the ramifications of a video showing him abusing a cat intensified on Wednesday.

The viral video, filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan and posted on social media, showed the West Ham defender dropping the tabby cat and kicking it across the floor.

He is also seen slapping the animal and hurling a shoe at it, before chasing it around his property.

“The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats,” an RSPCA spokesperson told Reuters.

“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.”

West Ham said former Chelsea defender Zouma had been fined the maximum amount possible with British media reporting the fine was two weeks’ wages.

The 27-year-old has accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.

Despite the widespread outrage caused by the video, Zouma was selected for West Ham’s 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday — a result that lifted them into fourth place in the table.