West Ham and David Moyes are facing a growing backlash over the decision to play Kurt Zouma last night just 24 hours after video footage emerged of him kicking his cat.
As of this morning, 110,000 people had signed an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted for animal cruelty and mayor Sadiq Khan has described the defender as “a disgrace and a bully”.
Moyes has been heavily criticised for selecting Zouma for last night’s 1-0 win over Watford despite police and the RSPCA carrying out urgent enquiries over a video of him slapping and drop-kicking the pet Bengal across his kitchen floor.
The West Ham manager defended that decision after Zouma played the full game as his side moved back into the top four. Moyes said: “My job is to pick the best team which gives me the best chance and Kurt was part of that.”
West Ham were this morning continuing their internal investigation as they decided on what disciplinary action to take against Zouma, which could include a fine and educational courses. The club have been liaising with the RSPCA.
Police have launched “urgent enquiries” and there has been public outrage over Zouma’s treatment of his cat, as well as West Ham’s decision to play him last night.
Experience Kissimmee, West Ham’s official destination partner, has said it will “be evaluating our relationship and sponsorship with the club” after Zouma was selected against Watford.
A petition on Change.org, started by Anti Animal Abuse, reads: “We ask that the Metropolitan Police and RSPCA carry out an urgent investigation and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act.
“Further we ask that the RSPCA remove all animals from Zouma’s ‘care’ immediately.”
The mayor said that West Ham’s “decent” reputation would be harmed if it was seen to be “condoning what this guy has done” just to win three points.
Khan told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “We have got to hold to account when we don’t maintain high standards. I think this footballer is a disgrace. I think the RSPCA and the police should be looking into a criminal prosecution.
“I think West Ham, as this player’s employer and as a club that is loved by tens of thousands of fans across London and the country, should be taking action.
“I think Mr Zouma himself should reflect on what he’s done. He should show some contrition.
“If you get away with bad behaviour, whether you’re the Prime Minister, mayor or a footballer, young people who look up to you think that’s the way to behave and it’s okay.”
Zouma, who joined West Ham from Chelsea for almost £30million last summer, was booed at the London Stadium last night.
Asked if he considered dropping the 27-year-old, Moyes said: “No, because he is one of our better players. I had to pick a football team that gave me the best chance of winning the game as manager of West Ham. I know how people feel, but I’m also a football manager here.”
Sanjay Bhandari, the head of anti-racism group Kick It Out, criticised the decision, saying: “When people say (mostly unfairly) that football has no morals, this is the kind of decision that gives that view fuel.”
