Footballer Kurt Zouma has apologised after a video emerged of him kicking and slapping his pet cat.

The West Ham centre back, admitted that it was an "isolated incident" and that he would never hurt the animal again.

In the footage, which was shared by The Sun on 7 February, the French footballer can be seen volleying his cat across the kitchen before slapping it.

According to The Sun, a source said that Zouma was angry at the cat for making a mess in his house.

"It seemed that Kurt got angry at the cat for accidentally smashing some sort of vase and tearing downa light fixture from the kitchen cupboard", the source indicated.

In a statement to Sky News, the 27-year-old who is an ambassador for a French animal charity, said: "I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.

"I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.

"They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again."

West Ham also released a statement condemning the behaviour, adding that the matter would be "dealt with internally".

A spokesperson for the club said: "West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.

"We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals."

While the Met Police have decided not to investigate Zouma over the video, Essex Police have confirmed that they are liasing with the RSPCA and that "urgent enquiries are ongoing".

An RSPCA spokesperson also reacted to the video, calling it "very upsetting".

During a match against Watford, in which West Ham won 1-0, Zouma was booed by both sides after he was selected to start.

An online petition with over 80,00 signatures calling for Zouma to be investigated for animal abuse was also started.