David Moyes explains decision to start Kurt Zouma despite investigation into cat video

David Moyes chose to start Kurt Zouma for West Ham, insisting his appearance against Watford is not impacted by cat video

David Moyes has claimed that Kurt Zouma started for West Ham against Watford on Tuesday night because “he is one of our better players”.

Zouma has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after a video went viral of the former Chelsea man abusing his pet cat.

The 27-year-old was seen kicking and slapping his cat, and Essex Police are liaising with the RSPCA as part of their “urgent enquiries”.

However, despite a number of people hitting out at Zouma for his actions, Moyes opted to start the defender against Watford.

When asked before kick-off if the video had had any influence on his decision to play Zouma against Watford, Moyes told BT Sport: “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.”

David Moyes, speaking to BT about whether the video of Kurt Zouma on social media this week influenced his decision to play the defender: "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."
— Jason Bourne 🗣🎙📻 (@JasonBourne1986) February 8, 2022

Former West Ham player Joe Cole said: “I think it’s a miscalculation by the club – he could have sat this one out.

“But he’s here, he’s starting. It’s an unusual disciplinary matter, I don’t remember seeing animal cruelty within football.”

WWE star Drew McIntyre slammed Zouma’s actions and called the Hammers’ defender “disgusting” on social media.

“I’m struggling to put into words how I feel about this distressing footage. Truly disgusting actions from Kurt Zouma who is meant to be a role model,” the 2020 Royal Rumble winner tweeted.

“No helpless animal should ever be subject to abuse like this. I would like to know how West Ham plan to punish these actions?”

I'm struggling to put into words how I feel about this distressing footage. Truly disgusting actions from Kurt Zouma who is meant to be a role model. No helpless animal should ever be subject to abuse like this. I would like to know how @WestHam plan to punish these actions? https://t.co/ZOPyqFVIxL
— Drew McIntyre (@DMcIntyreWWE) February 8, 2022

Zouma apologised for his actions and said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.

“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.

“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”