Former Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after pleading guilty to kicking and slapping his cat.
The West Ham star has also been banned from owning cats for five years.
The 27-year-old was charged with three animal welfare offences in May after he was filmed abusing his cat.
The France international and his brother Yoan appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court last week to admit animal abuse charges.
Yoan – who plays for non-league side Dagenham & Redbridge – also admitted to one count of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring Zouma to commit an offence after filming and sharing the disturbing clip.
Passing sentence on Wednesday morning, District Judge Susan Holdham said the brothers “took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible incident”.
Turning to Kurt Zouma, she said: “You kicked and slapped either the same cat or both of them – that cat looked to you to care for its needs.
“On that date in February, you didn’t provide for its needs but caused unnecessary suffering for your own amusement.”
The judge accepted it was an “isolated incident” but said Zouma is a “public figure” in his role as a Premier League footballer.
“You must have been aware that others look up to you”, she said. “Many young people aspire to emulate you.”
Kurt Zouma was ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service, and his brother was sentenced to 140 hours – both under 12-month community orders.
