David Moyes has confirmed that Kurt Zouma is available to play in West Ham‘s Premier League game against Leicester on Sunday, despite backlash over his selection in the 1-0 win over Watford.
Zouma was surprisingly named in West Ham’s starting line-up for Tuesday night’s match after a video had emerged of the French defender abusing one of his pet cats. The RSPCA has since taken both of Zouma’s cats out of his care and are conducting an investigation into the footage with assistance from Essex Police.
Zouma’s younger brother Yoan, who filmed him kicking, slapping and throwing an object at his cat, has been suspended by his club Dagenham and Redbridge pending the outcome of the investigation.
West Ham punished Zouma with a “maximum fine” believed to be worth £250,000 over the incident, but do not appear to be following the National League club’s example with Moyes confirming his intention to pick him again this weekend.
More from Football
“It’s different views on should he be available or not,” Moyes acknowledged during his Friday press conference. “We as a club took the decision that we make him available, and I stand by that.
“I don’t think a club could have taken more action, any quicker. We’ve fined him maximum wages.
“He’s getting some help. We’re trying to do as much as we can as a club to help him.
“I think the RSPCA are going to provide us with some courses to help him and make sure that Kurt’s getting better and understanding it. We’re going to do everything as a club that we possibly can to resolve it.
“I’ve had over 1,000 games [in management] and I’ve never treated any player differently. If it’s regarding disciplinary reasons, everyone’s treated the exact same.”
Moyes was widely condemned in midweek, both over his decision to select Zouma and for his explanation that the 27-year-old is one of West Ham’s “better players”.
Wellness brand Vitality has subsequently suspended its partnership with the club, while Zouma has been dropped as an Adidas athlete.
More on West Ham United FC
Breaking down David Moyes' defence for picking Kurt Zouma, line by extraordinary line10 February, 2022
Kurt Zouma could face jail time in France and UK for kicking and slapping his cat09 February, 2022
Why the RSPCA has seized Kurt Zouma's cats and how the charity steps in to protect animals09 February, 2022“I’d say right away is that we’re completely upset by it at the well” he added. “There’s nobody more disappointed than me or the Club itself.
“We’re really sorry we’ve upset West Ham supporters. For the West Ham supporters disappointed by it, I’ve got to say we’re really disappointed by it as well.
“We’re making sure animal charities will benefit from it. It’s a terrible situation, nobody’s hiding it, but we are trying to make some good come from bad.”
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/J534vkH
Post a Comment