“West Ham United can confirm that Kurt Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated,” the club said in a statement.

“The player has immediately accepted the fine and has requested that it is donated to animal welfare charities.”

It came as animal welfare charity the RSPCA had taken two cats belonging to Zouma into care.

The France international, who played against Watford in the Premier League today, has been widely condemned after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping the animal.