West Ham United forward Michail Antonio has questioned whether Kurt Zouma’s mistreatment of his pet cat is “worse than racism”.
France international Zouma has been widely condemned after a video emerged on line of him kicking and slapping the pet as well as throwing a shoe at it.
Zouma, 28, is under investigation by Essex Police and the UK's Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) after his two cats were taken into the care of the charity.
More than 280,000 people have now signed an online petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, calling for Zouma to be prosecuted amid a growing public backlash.
West Ham announced on Wednesday afternoon that the 27-year-old, who has apologised, had been fined two weeks’ wages – reported to be in the region of £250,000 – which will be donated to animal welfare charities.
The Hammers have faced a barrage of criticism for selecting the defender in Tuesday night's 1-0 Premier League win at home to Watford, a day after the disturbing video - filmed by the player's brother - emerged.
When asked about the incident during an interview with Sky Sports News, West Ham striker Antonio said while he did not condone Zouma’s actions, he felt there was a wider debate to be considered.
“I’ve got a question for you. Do you think what he’s done is worse than racism?” Antonio said.
“I’m not condoning a thing that he’s done, I don’t agree with what he has done at all.
“But there’s people that have been convicted and been caught for racism, and have played football afterwards.
“They got an eight-game punishment or something like that, but people are now calling for people to be sacked, for them to lose their livelihood.
“I’ve just got to ask this question to everyone out there: ‘is what he’s [Zouma] done worse than what the people have done that [were] convicted of racism?’"
Zouma and West Ham are co-operating fully with the RSCPA-led investigation.
Meanwhile, Dagenham have suspended Zouma’s brother following his role in the video, heaping more pressure on West Ham to take tougher action.
Yoan Zouma, 23, who is reported to have filmed the video, will not play for the National League club until the RSPCA has completed its probe.
A Dagenham statement read: “Yoan was this week contacted by the RSPCA to assist in their investigation and is fully cooperating with them.
“However, Dagenham & Redbridge FC would again like to reiterate that it condemns any form of cruelty towards animals and fully understands the reaction of many of its supporters.
“The club has therefore decided that until the RSPCA has completed its investigations, Yoan will not play for Dagenham & Redbridge in any competitive match.
“Any further action deemed necessary to be taken will be made at the conclusion of the RSPCA investigation.”
On Wednesday afternoon adidas – the Kurt Zouma’s official personal kit supplier – confirmed ties had been cut with the player.
Vitality confirmed it was suspending sponsorship as West Ham’s official wellness partner and would be “further engaging with the club to understand what actions they will be taking to address the situation”.
Meanwhile, the club’s official destination partner Experience Kissimmee, the tourist board for the Florida city, announced the decision to terminate its own agreement.
French actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot, 87, described the incident as “absolute cowardice”, with her foundation filing a complaint against Zouma.
Under the French penal code, which applies to citizens committing offences outside of the country, a custodial sentence of up to three years could be handed out along with a fine of €45,000.
