LONDON: West Ham United’s French footballer Kurt Souma has been released after beating and kicking a pet cat. The player’s football career may end.
West Ham did not field Souma in the English Premier League match against Watford. The team will make the same decision in the next few matches. Coach David Moyes responded that he was an animal lover. West Ham have been fined the maximum amount from the player.
Souma is also facing action in France. Noel Le Great, president of the French Football Federation, said Souma’s action was shocking. Animal lovers have demanded that Souma not be included in the French team anymore.
Adidas has canceled all contracts with Souma. The official kit of the French defender is provided by adidas. Vitality, an insurance-investment company, has withdrawn its sponsorship of Souma. Some other contracts have also been canceled.
Adidas said in a statement that it was investigating the incident and was canceling the deal. Police are also investigating Souma. Two lakh people have signed an online petition seeking to prosecute the actor. Animal rights groups are also active.
The video of Souma abusing a cat was released on social media. The actor had apologized after the incident became controversial.
Content Highlights: Adidas drop Kurt Zouma as sponsors’ backlash over cat attack video