West Ham have created a whirlwind of drama for themselves in the past 24 hours. Yesterday morning, videos emerged of their defender Kurt Zouma kicking his pet cat across the floor of his kitchen. Many online were outraged by the video - over 100,000 people have signed a petition saying Zouma should be prosecuted for the incident - and many didn't want to see the French international in a Hammers shirt for a very long time.
Move forward to last night and West Ham were hosting Watford at the London Stadium with David Moyes' men looking for a win to jump up to fourth place in their fight for Champions League football. When the teamsheets came out an hour before kick-off many were baffled to see Zouma's name on it starting at centre back.
This caused even more outrage from everyone from fans to former footballers to animal rights activists to London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Moyes was, of course, asked about his decision to play Zouma after the game. He said he picked Zouma as he was one of their "better players" and said that the club was conducting their own investigation internally. He then backed his decision post match and called himself an "animal lover". In another interview post match he also stated that Zouma will be available for selection during the duration of the club's internal investigation.
🎙️ "My job was to try and win for West Ham, and put out the best team to do that."
David Moyes says he was disappointed to see footage of Kurt Zouma kicking his cat but defended his decision to pick him in the team that beat Watford. pic.twitter.com/DihMAosCPi— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 9, 2022
A source close to the West Ham ownership explained their perspective on TalkSport this morning in another statement.
“There was a feeling that not starting him would have punished the team.”
“It was Moyes’ decision to play him, and the owners feel vindicated.”
“If he is found guilty he’ll be subject to the maximum fine.”
Jim White shares a statement from #WHUFC on Zouma starting last night. pic.twitter.com/cm4pWT4v8U— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 9, 2022
There has been outrage to West Ham's reaction to the incident. Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling perhaps summed up the debacle best with a sarcastic tweet last night.
That’s certainly taught Zouma a lesson @WestHam. He must be repentant now having suffered for so long before he wears the clubs shirt again !
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) February 8, 2022
Stelling outlined his objections to the situation in more detail later in the evening, saying the issue was bigger than football. .
Darren you totally miss the point . There has to be punishment for Zouma . It does not matter if he is the best or the worst player. It’s not all about football. It’s about behaving like a decent human being. I have loved West Ham but sadly lost a lot of respect I am afraid.
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) February 8, 2022
We await news as to whether Zouma will be sanctioned for the incident.
See Also: Quiz: Name Every Irish Player To Play In Champions League In 21st Century
