Adidas have launched an in house investigation into the Kurt Zouma affair after his abuse of a pet cat emerged. The company are the central defender’s kit supplier.

It’s the latest development in an affair which looks set to run and run with the sponsors – like West Ham United – declaring they will deal with the scenario internally

Zouma is seen in the disturbing clip dropping, kicking and slapping the animal, while laughter can be heard in the background. The 27-year-old centre-back then chases the cat, before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.

In a statement, Adidas, who are Zouma’s kit supplier, said: “We are aware of a deeply upsetting video circulating online. No animal should be subject to cruel and unwarranted abuse, and we are investigating the incident internally.”

ClaretandHugh says: The club has taken precisely the same line as Adidas  using similar words when they may have been better off ensuring that a big public condemnation was made bearing in mind the outrage this has caused. There will always be those who believe the club will sweep things under the carpet and maybe it was important on this particular o0ccasion this was shown not to be the case.