Kurt Zouma has cats taken into RSPCA care and loses deal with Adidas

Zouma, who played for his club against Watford on Tuesday night, has received a huge backlash for his actions. More than 175,000 people have signed a petition for the Frenchman to be prosecuted.

The RSPCA are leading the investigation while also co-operating with Essex Police on the matter. The animal charity confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the cats were now in its care.

The Hammers subsequently announced 27-year-old France international Zouma, who has apologised, had been fined two weeks' wages - reported to be in the region of £250,000 - which will be donated to animal welfare charities.

"Kurt and the club are co-operating fully with the investigation and the player has willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family's two cats to the RSPCA for assessment.

"Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken.

"Separate to the RSPCA's investigation and pending further sanction once the outcome of that process is determined, West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.

"The player has immediately accepted the fine, which will be donated to animal welfare charities.

"West Ham United would like to reiterate our condemnation of Kurt's actions and make it clear that the matter continues to be handled with the utmost seriousness.

"However, we believe it is now important to allow the RSPCA to conduct their investigation in a fair and thorough manner, and will be making no further comment at this stage."

The RSPCA said it had been dealing with the issue before the video went viral and would continue its investigations.

"The two cats are now in RSPCA care," a RSPCA spokesperson said. "Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats.

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

"We're grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.

"We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time."

National pet charity Blue Cross described the incident as "truly horrifying" and called for Zouma to face prosecution.

Cats Protection's director of veterinary services Dr Maggie Roberts said the decision to select Zouma against Watford "sends an appalling message to fans and the wider public".

West Ham United Supporters' Trust suggested Zouma should spend time with the RSPCA to "see the consequences of his own actions".

Conservationist Chris Packham branded the decision to select Zouma against the Hornets as an "absolute disgrace", while former England captain Gary Lineker labelled it a "tone-deaf decision" and London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the matter as "despicable".

Zouma has lost his personal kit deal with adidas, while three of West Ham's sponsors have made public statements condemning his actions.

West Ham's official destination partner Experience Kissimmee said it would be "evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club" in the wake of his selection for Tuesday's match, while on Wednesday Vitality said it was suspending its sponsorship as their official wellness partner.

Heineken UK, West Ham's beer and cider partner, said it was "appalled at the contents of the video" and welcomed the actions the club were taking.

Meanwhile in France, animal rights group the 30 Million Friends Foundation condemned the "heinous act".

The campaigners have called for Zouma to be suspended from the national team and confirmed a complaint had been filed against him under the French penal code, which applies to citizens committing offences outside of the country.