West Ham United and France international defender Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to animal abuse.

West Ham United and France international defender Kurt Zouma has pleaded guilty to animal abuse, in particular, kicking and slapping a cat. This was seen on a video which emerged, showing the incident that took place back in February.

The 27-year-old has admitted to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Thames Magistrates' Court.

Kurt Zouma's younger brother Yoan, who plays for Dagenham and Redbridge, pleaded guilty to one offence following an RSPCA investigation. Yoan was the one who filmed the incident, which was posted on social media.

Both of the brothers' addresses have been withheld following a court order, to ensure their safety as they are of high public interest.

The court was informed of disturbing footage concerning the incident, which was filmed at the home of Kurt, and was later posted on Snapchat on the 6th February. It was later seen by a woman who was messaging brother, Yoan, and she raised concerns regarding their actions

Zouma could be seen 'volleying' the cat across his kitchen, before then throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.

Prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court that Kurt was heard saying: "I swear I'll kill it, I swear I'll kill it."

Kurt admitted to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, while younger brother, Yoan, admitted one count of 'aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring' his older brother to commit the offences above.

When interviewed and questioned on the incident, Yoan said it was his brother, not him who had abused the cat, but the judge said: "He is your family and that represents you. That's very cruel. I don't want to associate with people that find that funny."Yoan responded: "We never had animals before. Maybe that's why we don't know how to manage these cats."Judge Susan Holdham had adjourned sentencing until June 1st at the same court so that a pre-sentencing report can be made.Both brothers will be interviewed by probation before the hearing on June 1st.