West Ham United have “unreservedly condemned” Kurt Zouma for hitting his cat after a video emerged of the France defender kicking and slapping his pet.
Animal charity the RSPCA has removed the 27-year-old’s two cats as they investigate the incident.
He has apologised and the club say they will deal with the incident internally.
“I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret,” the centre-back said in a statement.
“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.”
Further footage, first published by The Sun and reportedly filmed by Zouma’s brother Yoan, shows the player throwing shoes at the pet and chasing it around a room.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video that has circulated,” said the club, who signed the defender in the summer from Chelsea for £29.8m.
“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.”
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
West Ham boss David Moyes says Kurt Zouma is available for Sunday’s game at Leicester amid the controversy.
Moyes was criticised for picking Zouma against Watford on Tuesday after the video of the defender emerged.
Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible by the Hammers, with the fee being donated to animal welfare charities.
“I don’t think a club could have taken action any quicker than they’ve done at the moment. West Ham have done a really good job,” said Moyes.
“I’m not condoning him, his actions were terrible. They were diabolical but we’ve chosen to play him and we stand by that.
“We will get him some help. We are trying to do as much as we can as a club, as a team, to help him.”