Kurt Zouma’s younger brother, 23-year-old Yoan, has been suspended by his club, Dagenham and Redbridge over his cat-kicking video.

Yoan recorded his big brother punching and kicking one of his pet cats, something that has drawn sharp criticism both on, and offline. 

In a statement, the club said; “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.”

They added that “any further action deemed necessary to be taken will be made at the conclusion of the RSPCA investigation”.

His brother, Kurt has been fined £250,000 by his club West Ham and dropped by his kit supplier Adidas, and now Yoan has been suspended by his own team.”

A statement on the club website 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.”

There have been calls from supporters and animal activists for the elder Zouma brother to be prosecuted for the incident, with thousands signing a petition and some calling for him to lose his job.