Serious consequences have dogged Kurt Zouma after a video of him kicking his pet cat emerged this week.

The 27 year old frenchman who plays for West Ham was filmed by his brother Yoan as he kicked, hit and threw shoes at his pet cat in his kitchen.

West Ham condemned Zouma's actions explaining that they would be dealing with the situation internally. However, less than 24 hours after the incident, David Moyes named Zouma in his starting line-up for West Ham's 1-0 Premier League win over Watford on Tuesday.

The Scottish manager backed the decision saying: "I'm really disappointed, and the club have taken all the action they can do at the moment behind the scenes. My job is to pick the best team and Kurt was part of that".

Following West Ham's reaction to the matter, sponsors Vitality; who are the official wellness partners for their Men and Women's team paused their partnership.

A statement read: "We were very distressed by the video we have seen of Kurt Zouma. 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, and as such, we are suspending our sponsorship of West Ham with immediate effect.

"We will now be further engaging with the club to understand what actions they will be taking to address the situation."

Zouma was later fined the "maximum amount possible" by West Ham which is believed to be two weeks' wages, £250,000. An amount which the Hammers say will be donated to Animal Charities.

The RSPCA also confirmed on Wednesday that they had seized both of Zouma's pet cats, which shall "remain in their care pending investigations".

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Zouma's brother also found himself at the receiving end of the backlash as Dagenham & Redbridge suspended him until the RSPCA completed their investigations.

Yoan, who like Kurt also plays at centre-back, filmed the incident, which he says he "unreservedly" apologises for.