Dagenham defender Yoann Zouma, brother of West Ham‘s Kurt ZoumaHis club has said that he has been charged under the Animal Welfare Act.
Yoann Zouma was suspended by Dagenham in February after he filmed his brother Kurt slapping and kicking his own cat.
The National League club confirmed on Wednesday that Yoan has now been charged by the RSPCA over the incident. Kurt Zouma was not mentioned in his statement.
“Dagenham & Redbridge FC notes the RSPCA’s decision to charge Yoan Zuma under the Animal Welfare Act 2006,” the statement said.
‘While Yoann continues to cooperate fully with the RSPCA as the matter has now progressed, Dagenham and Redbridge FC feel it is no longer appropriate for Yoann or the club to make any further statements.
‘Dagenham and Redbridge FC maintain their position that the club condemns all animal cruelty.’
Dagenham had stated that the defender would now be available to play for him after the suspension period.
The statement continued, “As allegations and investigations were ongoing, Dagenham and Redbridge FC decided that Yoann should not play football for the club.”
Kurt Zouma’s brother Yoann (left) has been charged by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act
Kurt Zouma was seen kicking his cat in footage that surfaced on social media in February
Yoann, who made the Kurt Shock film, is now being prosecuted by the RSPCA
‘However, four weeks have now elapsed since the incident, and the club feels that any further suspension from the team would be detrimental to both the club and the yawn. So it has been decided to make Yoan available to play.
‘After the conclusion of the court proceedings, the club reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary.’
Kurt Zouma has continued to play for West Ham since the incident, but has faced scorn and ridicule, including from Hammer fans.
West Ham boss David Moyes said he understood his criticism for continuing to select the France international, admitting that what the player did was ‘terrible’.
The RSPCA is also investigating Kurt for his role in the incident, but after being contacted by sportsmail Last week they were unable to provide updates on its platform.
It is believed that his investigation is nearing an end, however, the Hammer defender could face the same charges as his brother.
Dagenham reveals 23-year-old has been charged after being suspended by her
Kurt has continued to play for West Ham for the past month despite the footage
David Moyes describes his actions as ‘horrible’, says he understands criticism for choosing them
And based on evidence from the investigation, any move to prosecute him could force West Ham to further discipline the player, already fined two weeks’ salary.
Adidas also terminated its contract with Zuma after the footage surfaced.
However, the German sportswear firm has faced a major backlash over its decision to oust him.
Claims are being made on social media that Adidas’ decision to drop her as a client is racist.
The sportswear giant stuck with Luis Suarez despite the striker racially abusing Patrice Evra and biting Giorgio Chiellini.
And last week he suspended – but did not end – his partnership with the Russian Football Federation following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.