West Ham United has been urged to take the harshest measures possible and dismiss Kurt Zouma after the defender drop-kicking his pet cat – but David Moyes has revealed why the player was given a start right away.
After the video went viral, the defender found himself in the middle of an unwanted maelstrom. The RSPCA has criticized the footage of the Frenchman kicking and hitting his cat, calling it “very upsetting.” They’re also reinforcing their commitment to look into any animal welfare issues.
Zouma can be seen kicking and hitting the cat in the footage, as laughter can be heard in the background. The 27-year-old France international then follows the animal before smacking its head and tossing a pair of shoes at it.
“This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise,”a spokesperson for the RSPCA said.
“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us. And we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”
After the clip emerged, West Ham criticised Zouma’s actions.
“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,” the club said in a statement.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally. But we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
Zouma, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea in August 2021, has also released a statement, apologising for his actions.
However, Zouma was immediately handed a start in the Hammers defence in Tuesday night’s game against Watford at the London Stadium.
Ahead of the game, Hammers boss David Moyes was asked: “Did the video of Kurt Zouma on social media this week influence your decision to start him?”
Moyes, though, was steadfast in his answer, saying: “No, because he is one of our better players. But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter.”