Kurt Zouma and brother Yoan in court TODAY over sickening cat-kicking footage

WEST Ham star Kurt Zouma will appear in court today alongside his brother over footage of him allegedly kicking a cat.

The defender, 27, has faced a public outcry after the clip was revealed by The Sun in February.

He will now appear in court after being prosecuted by the RSPCA under the Animal Welfare Act.

Zouma is set to make an appearance at Thames Magistrates’ Court today alongside brother Yoan.

He is charged with three counts under the act, while Yoan, who was temporarily suspended by Dagenham & Redbridge, faces two offences.

The Sun revealed footage of the West Ham ace allegedly kicking and slapping his Bengal cat in his £2million London mansion.

He continued to play for West Ham but was booed by away fans and his own supporters.

Gaffer David Moyes said at the time he understood the criticism he faced for continuing to select the France international, admitting what the player had done was "terrible".

And he defended the player in the wake of the animal cruelty storm.

The manager also revealed the defender is "hoping he is forgiven" after the footage emerged.

Zouma was fined £250,000 - two weeks' wages - for the attack and issued a grovelling apology insisting his cats were both "perfectly fine and healthy".

Both his cats were seized by the RSPCA and Zouma was dropped by sponsors Adidas and Vitality UK.

Ironically, the footballer was listed an ambassador for a charity which protects abused big cats.

West Ham said in a statement after he was charged: “West Ham United is aware of the RSPCA statement in relation to its investigation involving Kurt Zouma.