West Ham’s Kurt Zouma’s actions ‘genuinely shocked’ RSPCA’s Chief Inspectorate Officer, Dermot Murphy
RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer Dermot Murphy states he was “genuinely shocked” by the footage of Kurt Zouma kicking a cat, after the West Ham defender’s first day in court.
Zouma, 27, pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty at Thames magistrates court on Tuesday morning.
The case has been adjourned for pre-sentence reports until June 1st.
Talking to Sky Sports News, RSPCA Chief Murphy stated his shock over how Zouma had acted towards his cat: “We are very pleased with the guilty plea at the first opportunity.
“It is never appropriate to treat an animal in that sort of way and we are genuinely shocked,” said Murphy.
The RSPCA officer added: “It’s very disturbing footage which is now with the court.”
Unacceptable
What the West Ham defender did was completely abhorrent and whatever the outcome of the trial will be fully warranted.
Zouma has been subject to abuse ever since the footage emerged of the Frenchmen allegedly kicking his cat.
It is remarkable that some footballers choose to abuse the privileged position that they find themselves in.
However, the defender was mobbed by cameras as he entered the court on Tuesday morning.
The press should potentially take a step back in moments like this.
Zouma will be dealt with in court in the correct manner, he doesn’t deserve to be mobbed whilst trying to enter his trial.
Hopefully, this high-profile case will send a message to any professional player tempted to act in a disgusting manner.
It would be refreshing if this case is the last time a footballer is front-page news for a long time.
The ridicule that Zouma has faced should certainly act as a deterrent for any future offences.
In other West Ham news, a football finance expert has made a mammoth £200m Hammers claim amid recent speculation.
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