Antonio asks whether Zouma cat abuse is worse than racism amid outrage over video

Hammers defender Zouma has faced a furious backlash after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping his cats on Tuesday.

Despite starting for West Ham that night in a victory over Watford, the Frenchman has since been fined two weeks' wages by the club - around £250,000 - and dropped by boot sponsors adidas.

The RSPCA have seized his two cats and continue its investigation while co-operating with Essex Police, while more than 225,000 people have signed an online petition, started by Anti Animal Abuse, calling for Zouma to be prosecuted.

Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland led calls for the 27-year-old to be sacked by West Ham.

And while Antonio does not condone his teammate's actions, he questions whether Zouma should be punished more than racists for animal abuse.

The Jamaica international points out that footballers 'convicted of racism' have still been allowed to continue their careers afterwards.

"I've got a question for you," Antonio told a reporter from his car window on the way to training on Thursday morning.

"Do you think what he's done is worse than racism?

"I'm condoning the thing he has done, I don't agree with what he's done at all.

"But, there are people who have been convicted in court for racism who have played football afterwards. They got punished, they got eight games punishment or something like that.

"But people are now calling for people [Zouma] to be sacked.

"So I'm just going to ask this question to everyone out there - is what he has done worse than what people have done who have been convicted of racism?"