London (AFP) - West Ham on Wednesday fined defender Kurt Zouma the "maximum amount possible" for mistreating his pet cat as the RSPCA charity said it had taken two animals belonging to the France international into care.
The 27-year-old, who played against Watford in the Premier League on Tuesday, has been widely condemned after a video circulated online of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal.
West Ham issued a fresh statement on Wednesday saying they were supporting an investigation by animal welfare organisation the RSPCA into the case and that Zouma was complying with the process, including delivering his two cats to the charity 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," the club said.
"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 and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities."
Reports said the fine would total around £250,000 ($340,000), with standard Premier League contracts allowing for a maximum fine of two weeks' wages.
The RSPCA, which is working with police on the case, tweeted that the cats were "safe and in our care".
"Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats," said a spokesman."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."
The latest developments came as signatories on an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted topped 160,000, reflecting growing public anger.
Sponsors
Insurance and investment company Vitality announced it was suspending its sponsorship as West Ham's "official wellness partner".
"We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma," the company said in a statement."At Vitality, we condemn animal cruelty and violence of any kind.
"We are hugely disappointed by the judgement subsequently shown by the club in response to this incident."
Experience Kissimmee -- the club's "official destination partner" -- has said it "will be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club" in light of the video.
Adidas, the defender's official kit supplier, confirmed the company was investigating the incident.
West Ham had previously said they would be dealing with the matter internally, adding: "We would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals."
But Zouma, who had previously apologised for his actions, was nevertheless selected by manager David Moyes for Tuesday's 1-0 win at the London Stadium.
Moyes insisted he was an "animal lover" but was adamant he had to do what was right for his club.
The defender got a taste of the depth of feeling as he was relentlessly booed by Watford supporters, with even West Ham fans joining in some of the jeering.
