Kurt Zouma is available for West Ham’s match against Leicester on Sunday, according to manager David Moyes, despite the controversy surrounding the defender being seen on camera kicking his cat.
The RSPCA has taken the 27-year-two old’s cats away while they investigate the incident.
After the video of the defender surfaced, Moyes was chastised for starting Zouma against Watford on Tuesday.
“Opinions on whether he should be available differ. We came to the conclusion that he should. “I stand by that,” Moyes stated.
The Hammers have fined Zouma the maximum sum allowed by law, with the money going to animal welfare groups.
“I don’t believe a club could have acted any faster than they have right now.” “West Ham have done a fantastic job,” Moyes remarked.
“I’m not defending him; his actions were appalling.” They were evil, but we chose to play him, and we stand by our decision.
“We’ll get him some assistance.” We’re doing everything we can as a club and as a squad to assist him.
“Like those who may have had a drink-driving offense, the majority of them must attend lessons to learn the causes for the offense and the potential consequences.
“I believe the RSPCA will supply us with some classes so Kurt may learn more about animals and how to care them.”
“He’s really repentant.” In life, you, like everyone else, need a little forgiveness now and then. He’s looking for forgiveness for a poor decision.”
The video, which was purportedly taken by Zouma’s brother Yoan, also showed him slapping his cat.
Yoan is currently with Dagenham & Redbridge, who have stated that he would not play for the National League club until the RSPCA inquiry is completed.
As a result of the incident, German sportswear company Adidas has terminated its contract with the Hammers player.
Experience Kissimmee, a West Ham sponsor, has also discontinued its relationship with the team, while Vitality, another Premier League club’s sponsor, has paused its relationship with the Hammers.
Zouma joined West Ham from Chelsea for £29.8 million in August 2021, and he has helped the Hammers to fourth place heading into the encounter against the Foxes.
“I’ve never had anything like this before. “It just goes to show that as a football manager, you never know what you’re going to receive,” Moyes remarked.
“It’s just a part of the job.” We’d rather not be in the news. In the last two years, West Ham has created a lot of excellent news.
“We have a fantastic team. I’m disappointed that the emphasis has been diverted from what is, at the moment, a fantastic season.”
