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Kurt Zouma will be available to play for West Ham against Leicester City on Sunday after he was seen in a "diabolical" video kicking a cat earlier this week.
West Ham manager, David Moyes, said:
"We as a club took the decision that we would make him available, and I stand by that.
"It's completely out of character from Kurt. We've never seen this in him. He's a really good lad.
"I'm really surprised by it. We're going to get him some help — he is getting help.
"So we are trying to do as much as we can as a club, as a team, to help him."
Photo Credit: Sky News.
Zouma has been fined the maximum two weeks' wages by the club - understood by Sky News to be £250,000 - which will go to animal welfare groups.
His brother Yoan has been suspended by his club, Dagenham & Redbridge, for his role in filming the video.
In the footage Zouma was filmed kicked his pet cat, with laughter heard ringing in the background.
Photo Credit: Sky News
Cats taken into care
Both of the 27-year-old's cats have now been taken into the care of RSPCA. The animals are not available for rehoming, the animal welfare charity said.
An RSPCA spokesperson said:
"Two cats are in our care, have been seen by a vet and are being well looked after.
"They will remain in our care while the investigation continues and are not available for rehoming although we have lots of beautiful cats who are looking for new homes.
"We understand the high level of interest in this incident and can reassure you that our experienced officers are carrying out a full and thorough investigation."
Petition for prosecution
Credit: The Sun
The RSPCA is leading an investigation, alongside Essex Police, which Zouma is co-operating with.
Shortly after the footage was released the French international defender issued a statement saying there were "no excuses" for his behaviour and adding that he was "deeply sorry if clip upset anyone".
A Change.org petition calling on Zouma to be prosecuted has been signed by more than 310,000 people.