Kurt Zouma: Chelsea fan changes cat’s name from Kurt to Burt after West Ham star’s animal abuse

A teenage Kurt Zouma fan has decided to rename his cat from Kurt to Burt - after video emerged of the footballer abusing his own pet.

Ollie Hall - a lifelong Chelsea supporter - says he cannot forgive the former Blues defender for his actions.

Video emerged earlier this week of the ace, who now plays for West Ham, slapping and kicking his cat.

Two cats have since been removed from his care by the RSPCA and his club say they have fined him “the maximum amount possible” - a reported £250,000.

Ollie, 18, named his pet kitten - a birthday present - after Zouma, 27, while the star played for his beloved Chelsea.

But the gutted fan, from Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, has now had to rethink the name - settling on Burt.

Ollie said: “When I saw that video come out I was really disappointed. I have posters on my wall and a coffee coaster with his face on it which I don’t know what to do with now.

“I liked him at Chelsea as I thought he was a good player with a funny personality. He was a role model to me but now that’s all changed.

“It was clear to me I had to change his name, especially him being a cat and everything.

“He has a name tag saying Kurt and he’s chipped under the name Kurt so I’m going to have to change those things as well.

“He’s even registered at the vet under Kurt so it’s a bit of a pain really. I’m just glad he’s not playing for my club anymore, West Ham are welcome to him.”

Zouma, from France, crossed London to join the Hammers in August last year.

West Ham controversially played Zouma in the match against Watford after the video was released, with Hammers fans booing the ace.

His sponsor Adidas has cut ties with him, and now West Ham have fined him £250,000.

The RSPCA is investigating the incident and liaising with Essex Police.

An spokesperson for the charity said: “The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the wellbeing of these cats.

“They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vets and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.

“We’re grateful to everyone who expressed their concern for these cats. We were dealing with this issue before the video went viral online and are leading the investigation.

“We continue to investigate so we cannot comment further at this time.”