Although Premier League season may be over, there are still legal battles that one of the West Ham United F.C. defenders must still endure. Kurt Zoumna has been ordered to serve 180 hours of community service after a video of him kicking and slapping his pet cat surfaced. District Judge Susan Holdham called Zouma’s actions “disgraceful and reprehensible” while the sentence was being delivered. In a video taken by Zouma’s younger brother Yoan Zouma, Zouma was seen kicking his Bengal cat across his kitchen, before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head. The video posted to Snapchat also led to a suspension for Yoan by fifth-tier club Dagenham and a sentence of 140 hours of community service.

The incident came to light in February, leading to a maximum two-week salary fine for Zouma, plus a loss of a sponsorship deal with Adidas. West Ham also stated that the money from Zouma’s fine went to charities benefiting animal welfare. “West Ham wishes to make clear that we condemn in the strongest terms any form of animal abuse or cruelty, This type of behavior is unacceptable and is not in line with the values of the football club,” it said in a statement.

Following the judges ruling the club stated, “Kurt admitted at the earliest opportunity that what he did was wrong. He has apologized without reservation. We hope that now the court has reached its decision, everyone will allow Kurt the chance to learn from his mistake and move on.”

Along with the community service, Zouma has also been banned from owning any pet cats for the next five years. As for Zouma’s two pet cats, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took both of his cats into custody following the incident.

Zouma has been with West Ham since August 2021, scoring one goal and recording one assist in 30 appearances for the club.

The English Premier League has released the full list of games for the 2017-2018 season, and defending champions Chelsea will host Burnley on opening day Aug. 12.

Chelsea to Host Burnley In Opening Week Of 2017-2018 Premier League Season

Tottenham Hotspur — last season’s second-place finishers — will visit Newcastle United for their opening day fixture.

Manchester United will host West Ham at Old Trafford on opening day, while Manchester City will kick off next season with an away game against promoted Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Premier League announced the opening game-day schedule on Twitter early Wednesday:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger — who recently signed a new two-year contract to stay on as the club’s coach — will see his team face 2015-2016 Premier League winners Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Marco Silva’s first game as Watford’s manager will see his team face Liverpool at Vicarage Road on opening day.

Spurs are set to play their second game at temporary home Wembley in Week 3, although the team have noted there is a scheduling conflict with another sporting event on the day they are slated to play:

West Ham will also have to adjust to stadium changes next season. They are unable to play at home until September because the London Stadium will not be ready after hosting the World Athletics Championships. West Ham are set to face Southampton on Aug. 19.

Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town will visit Crystal Palace in Week 1.

Here is the schedule for the first seven weeks of the 2017-2018 EPL. All games are subject to change:

Saturday, 12 August, 2017

Arsenal vs. Leicester City
Brighton vs. Manchester City
Chelsea vs. Burnley
Crystal Palace vs. Huddersfield Town
Everton vs. Stoke City
Manchester United vs. West Ham United
Newcastle United vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton vs. Swansea City
Watford vs. Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion vs. AFC Bournemouth

Saturday, 19 August, 2017

AFC Bournemouth vs. Watford
Burnley vs. West Bromwich Albion
Huddersfield Town vs. Newcastle United
Leicester City vs. Brighton
Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
Manchester City vs. Everton
Stoke City vs. Arsenal
Swansea City vs. Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea
West Ham United vs. Southampton

Saturday, 26 August, 2017

AFC Bournemouth vs. Manchester City
Chelsea vs. Everton
Crystal Palace vs. Swansea City
Huddersfield Town vs. Southampton
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Manchester United vs. Leicester City
Newcastle United vs. West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley
Watford vs. Brighton
West Bromwich Albion vs. Stoke City

Saturday, 9 September, 2017

Arsenal vs. AFC Bournemouth
Brighton vs. West Bromwich Albion
Burnley vs. Crystal Palace
Everton vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City vs. Chelsea
Manchester City vs. Liverpool
Southampton vs. Watford
Stoke City vs. Manchester United
Swansea City vs. Newcastle United
West Ham United vs. Huddersfield Town

Saturday, 16 September, 2017

AFC Bournemouth vs. Brighton
Chelsea vs. Arsenal
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton
Huddersfield Town vs. Leicester City
Liverpool vs. Burnley
Manchester United vs. Everton
Newcastle United vs. Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Swansea City
Watford vs. Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion vs. West Ham United

Saturday, 23 September, 2017

Arsenal vs. West Bromwich Albion
Brighton vs. Newcastle United
Burnley vs. Huddersfield Town
Everton vs. AFC Bournemouth
Leicester City vs. Liverpool
Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace
Southampton vs. Manchester United
Stoke City vs. Chelsea
Swansea City vs. Watford
West Ham United vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Saturday, 30 September, 2017

AFC Bournemouth vs. Leicester City
Arsenal vs. Brighton
Chelsea vs. Manchester City
Everton vs. Burnley
Huddersfield Town vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
Newcastle United vs. Liverpool
Stoke City vs. Southampton
West Bromwich Albion vs. Watford
West Ham United vs. Swansea City

The season will end on May 13, a week earlier than last season. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals begin in Russia on June 14, which means there are now just 364 days left before that tournament starts. The English Football League schedule will be released on June 21.

The full season schedule can be viewed on the league’s website at www.premierleague.com/fixtures.

In related news, Premier League officials are considering holding some games on Saturday nights. Ben Rumsby of The Telegraph explained the details of the possible new development:

“Scheduling some matches for 7.45pm on Saturdays was discussed during the league’s summer shareholders’ meeting last week ahead of the upcoming launch of the tender process for its next domestic broadcast deal.

A final decision is expected this autumn, when clubs will also decide how many fixtures to make available to broadcasters between 2019-22 when the rights for those seasons are sold early year.”

Here is Chelsea’s full 2018 title run-in schedule:

31/03/2018    15:00    Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

07/04/2018    15:00    Chelsea v West Ham United

14/04/2018    15:00    Southampton v Chelsea

21/04/2018    15:00    Chelsea v Huddersfield Town

28/04/2018    15:00    Swansea City v Chelsea

05/05/2018    15:00    Chelsea v Liverpool

13/05/2018    15:00    Newcastle United v Chelsea

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Cesc Fabregas of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Dimitri Payet has finally revealed what exactly made him want to part ways with West Ham.

The French midfielder, who will be 30 later this month, rejoined Marseille in a £25 million ($30 million) deal at the end of the January transfer window. This came after Payet demanded to leave West Ham less than one year after joining the Premier League club.

“The way we played, the defensive system we used, didn’t please me,” the winger told L’Equipe. “You could say I was bored. I had had contact with Marseille and most notably with [Marseille coach] Rudi Garcia, who had a philosophy that I knew well.

“The choice was quick. If I waited six months I would lose six months.

Payet continued: “With West Ham at home against Hull, we won 1-0 and they hit the post four times, In the changing room everyone was happy, but the the man of the match that day was the post.

“I thought that I would not have room for improvement. On the contrary, I risked regressing. I need another challenge.”

The Frenchman insists he has no problem with Croatian manager Slaven Bilic, although he admits he wasn’t surprised by the backlash from fans.

“That is normal. They hated me as much as they loved me. It is for that reason that the reactions were so violent. I cannot blame them,” he said.

“During a year and a half, they gave me a lot and I will never forget it. Was I scared? No. It was more complicated for my family. A lot of things were said, but there were no worries with my car, for example. Me, I continued to live normally.”

Payet also added: “The most important thing is that I am where I wanted to be. And the best is yet to come. I didn’t think about turning my back on the Premier League. Certain people spoke nastily but that remains their opinion.”

Before he left West Ham, several reports began stating the inability of his wife and three children to settle in England had been crucial to his desire to return to Marseille.

“That was another factor in the decision,” said Payet. “When I am happy on the pitch, it’s because everything is going well off it. When it’s complicated at family level that can stop you from being at ease in your job.”

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21:  Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Dimitri Payet no longer wishes to play for West Ham, the club’s manager Slaven Bilic has said.

Dimitri Payet No Longer Wants To Play For West Ham, Says Manager Slaven Bilic

West Ham is not prepared to sell the 29-year-old French forward, however. Payet has recently been linked to several moves.

It is understood the Hammers recently turned down a £19.1 million ($23.29 million) bid for Payet by his former team, French club Marseille.

“We have said we don’t want to sell our best players but Payet does not want to play for us,” Bilic said. “We are not going to sell him.”

The Frenchman joined West Ham from Marseille for £10.7 million ($13.05 million) in June 2015.

Payet excelled in his first season with the London club, scoring 12 goals and earning a nomination for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.

In February 2016 he signed a new contract that tied him to West Ham until the summer of 2021.

Payet has netted five goals thus far this season, and British publication The Sun reported last week that Bilic had ordered him to improve his attitude.

“I expect from him to come back and to show commitment and determination to the team like the team has shown to him,” Bilic said on Thursday. “We aren’t going to sell him. It’s not a money issue or anything. We want to keep our best players.

“I spoke to the chairman and this is not a money issue. We gave him a long contract because we want him to stay.”

Payet was kept on the bench for Friday’s 5-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City.

“He’s probably been tapped up by some clubs or whatever,” added Bilic, who also confirmed that the player is not training with the first team. “That is usual at this time of year.

“But until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he’s not going to train with us.”

West Ham’s last victory was a 4-1 win against Swansea City on Dec. 26. The team is 13th in the Premier League, and will next host Crystal Palace on Saturday.

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21:  Dimitri Payetof West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal from a free kick during The Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on February 21, 2016 in Blackburn, England.  (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

England’s Football Association is reviewing footage of Jose Mournho’s latest baseline dismissal and awaiting referee Jon Moss’s report from Manchester United’s 1-1 home tie with West Ham on Sunday.

England FA Reviewing Jose Mourinho Dismissal in Manchester United’s 1-1 Tie

The 53-year-old United manager was sent to the stands for the second time this season because he reacted angrily to Paul Pogba being booked for diving. Mourniho kicked a water bottle in frustration with the call.

Mourinho was previously sent to the stands during a goalless draw at home to newly-promoted Burnley a month ago. In that particular instance, the Portuguese confronted Mark Clattenburg after hist team was denied a penalty.

He was given a one-game suspension for using abusive language toward the officials.

Mourinho was also fined £50,000 ($62,000) for comments made about referee Anthony Taylor ahead of the draw with Liverpool.

The manager and Moss have history, having clashed last season during Chelsea’s loss to West Ham. Mourinho was sent to the stands for the remainder of the match after launching an angry rant at the officials.

He served a one-game stadium ban as a result.

United fell behind inside two minutes at Old Trafford after Diafra Sakho’s goal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled the scores for United from a Pogba cross.

The draw left United in sixth place in the Premier League, eight points off the top four and 11 points behind leaders Chelsea, following a run of just one victory in their last seven league games.

The FA will continue to await the referee’s report before deciding Mourinho’s punishment. If the FA were to apply similar rules to those they use for players, that would raise the prospect of a possible two-game stadium ban.

“I think the first six months at Manchester United have seen him try to create something of an atmosphere here,” says Sky Sports News HQ reporter James Cooper.

Pogba’s fifth booking of the season, meanwhile, will mean he will miss the EFL Cup quarter-final against West Ham on Wednesday. It’s a game that Mourinho might view as vital to the Reds’ season.

“This cup has special relevance to his time in England,” says Cooper. “It was the first trophy he won at Chelsea. Maybe he’s thinking that this time around the cup is his best chance of winning silverware at Manchester United this season.

“That perhaps explains his frustration at missing Paul Pogba for a game at Old Trafford that if he wins would put United into the last four of that competition.”

Following that quarter-final, United will visit Everton on Sunday for a Premier League game.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on November 27, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The independent Football Association commission has ruled that Sergio Agüero’s elbowing of West Ham defender Winston Reid in the throat in a Premier League game in Manchester last month was “excessive in force and brutal.”

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero’s Foul On West Ham’s Winston Reid ‘Brutal’

The commission also said that the aggressive foul, which came at Etihad Stadium on Aug. 28, “clearly endangered the safety” of Reid, a 28-year-old who is also captain of the New Zealand national team.

Aguero, a striker for Manchester City — who won that match 3-1 — earned a three-game suspension for the foul. The 29-year-old missed last weekend’s Manchester derby, and will also be unavailable for this month’s home games against Bournemouth (on Saturday, Sept. 17) and Swansea City (Sept. 21).

Although the foul against Reid was not initially seen by the referee, Andre Marriner, or by any other game officials when it happened, the hit was caught on video.

In its written reasons for the ban, all three members of the FA commission “unanimously felt that the video evidence before them was conclusive”.

“Indeed, even though the point of Mr. Aguero’s elbow did not connect with Mr. Reid, his flailing forearm did and this contact between forearm and throat/neck clearly hurt Mr. Reid,” the Commission’s added.

Manchester City contested the violent conduct charge on Aguero, arguing that “the standard punishment would be clearly excessive”.

The commission continued to precisely explain the severity of the foul, noting: “the clenched fist of Mr. Aguero as he threw his left elbow towards Mr. Reid, the upward angle of the movement and the force of the movement”.

Reid could not talk following the match, according to his captain Mark Noble, and had to be substituted.

“The commission could not see anything ‘truly exceptional’ about the incident,” said Stuart Ripley, the chair of the commission. “The incident was simply a ‘one v one’ tussle for the ball, such that is seen many times during any football match, whereby one of the players had used excessive force and brutality against the other.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 28: Sergio Aguero of Manchester City is challenged by Winston Reid of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on August 28, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)