Yoan Zouma has been charged by the RSPCA
The brother of Kurt Zouma, Yoan has been charged by the RSPCA after he filmed the West Ham United defender kicking and slapping his pet cat in February.
Kurt was fined two weeks’ wages by West Ham for the video and had his two pet cats taken away into care by the animal welfare organisation.
However Yoan’s club, Dagenham and Redbridge released a statement on the incident and charge, confirming he would continue to play following the conclusion of the investigation.
𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗬𝗼𝗮𝗻 𝗭𝗼𝘂𝗺𝗮
Dagenham & Redbridge FC has issued an update on Yoan Zouma. #COYD⚔️
— Dagenham & Redbridge ⚔️ (@Dag_RedFC) March 16, 2022
It read: “Whilst Yoan continues to fully co-operate with the RSPCA, as this matter has now progressed further, Dagenham & Redbridge FC feel it is no longer appropriate for either Yoan or the Club to make any further statement.
“Dagenham & Redbridge FC maintain their position in that the Club continues to condemn all animal cruelty.
“Since the allegation, and whilst investigations were taking place, Dagenham & Redbridge FC took the decision that Yoan should not play football for the Club.
“Four weeks have now elapsed however since the incident, and the Club feels that any further suspension from the team would be detrimental to both the Club and Yoan.
“A decision has been made therefore for Yoan to be available to play.
“The Club reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary after conclusion of the Court proceedings.”
The Vanarama National League club had initially suspended Yoan from their playing squad during the initial aftermath of the disturbing video, however West Ham boss David Moyes continued to select Kurt despite strong backlash.
Related links:
- Newcastle fans taunt Kurt Zouma with inflatable cats
- West Ham fans criticised for tasteless Kurt Zouma chant
- Michail Antonio highlights uncomfortable truth in Kurt Zouma case