David Moyes reveals why Kurt Zouma was absent vs Leicester City

The French defender has dealt with controversy over his alleged animal abuse in recent days.

A disturbing video of Kurt Zouma kicking his pet cat went viral earlier this week. NSPCA immediately started their ongoing investigation while also taking Zouma’s cats away from his house.

Despite the widespread criticism toward the player, David Moyes kept continued including Zouma in his lineup. The 27-year-old played on Wednesday, hours after the huge backlash of the video’s initial release.

West Ham boss David Moyes also included Zouma in his lineup to play against Leicester City on Sunday. However, minutes before the kick-off, Issa Diop replaced the Frenchman in Moyes’ starting XI.

Graeme Souness on Kurt Zouma:

🗣 "I've not no sympathy for him. The fact that they put it on social media, means they think there is nothing wrong with it. For me, I wouldn't have played him again this year and if I was still a player, I wouldn't want to play in a team with him" pic.twitter.com/veBmRBf7Wr
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 13, 2022

In a post-match interview after the 2-2 draw, David Moyes dismissed the reports that he excluded Zouma because of the investigation.

“Kurt was not well last night and did not eat with us today and stayed out of the meeting. Just in case it was sickness and he could not make it despite being desperate to play

“It was a sickness virus so I expect him to be back [next week].”

On Thursday, West Ham announced they would fine Zouma two weeks of his salary. The club also vowed to cooperate with the RSPCA over their investigations.

The Hammers will face Newcastle in their next league game next Saturday.