Former Barrow defender Yoan Zouma has been suspended by his National League club Dagenham and Redbridge.
It follows his part in filming elder brother Kurt Zouma slapping and kicking his cat which horrified viewers on social media.
Kurt Zouma, 27, was fined the “maximum amount possible” by his club West Ham although he was still selected for the midweek game with Watford.
Dagenham and Redbridge, currently sitting four points behind the play-off positions on the National League have issued a second statement on the incident.
“We 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”.
The RSPCA are currently looking after the two Zouma cats but despite hundreds of offers say the animals are not available for re-homing.
An RSPCA spokesman said: “Two cats are in our care, have been seen by a vet and are being well looked after.
“They will remain in our care while the investigation continues and are not available for rehoming although we have lots of beautiful cats who are looking for new homes.
“We understand the high level of interest in this incident and can reassure you that our experienced officers are carrying out a full and thorough investigation.
“Due to the fact that this is a live investigation, we are limited in what we can say, however we will provide updates when we are able.”
Kurt Zouma is co-operating with a joint investigation between the RSPCA and Essex Police, which Kurt Zouma is co-operating with.
The player issued a statement saying he was deeply sorry if the video upset anyone and there were “no excuses” for his behaviour.
Zouma was booed by fans during the Hammers game with Watford and selecting him has produced a reaction with sponsorship deals cancelled.
It’s also been claimed that suggestions he has been fined £250,000 – two week’s wages – have upset team-mates at West Ham.
There is said to be widespread dis-satisfaction among his team-mates that he is the highest paid player at the club and one national newspaper has hinted at wholesale demands for wage rises.
Meanwhile no such arguments at Dagenham and Redbridge where Yoan Zouma, 23, is on much more modest wages.
His career has rarely taken off with limited appearances at Barrow (6), Altrincham (5) and Dagenham and Redbridge (6 so far) all following a 17-game stint with Bolton.
