McAvennie slams Moyes as he comments on Zouma controversy at West Ham
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has slammed David Moyes after the West Ham manager tried to justify starting Kurt Zouma against Watford on Tuesday night.
Less than 24 hours after a video emerged online of Zouma, 27, kicking and hitting his cat, the centre-back was named to start in West Ham’s 1-0 win over Watford at the London Stadium.
Zouma was booed throughout the Premier League match and when explaining why the Frenchman played amid the controversy, Moyes said, via Sky Sports, that it’s because he’s one of his best players.
McAvennie understands why Moyes wanted to play Zouma but still feels as though the wrong decision was made due to the video of him abusing a cat.
“Listen, I get what David Moyes is saying. He’s one of the best players at the club and they need the points – but it’s wrong,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“David hasn’t read the room right and I thought it was wrong.
“I don’t know if it’s something for the authorities to pick up on because I just don’t get how anyone can be cruel to animals.
“I didn’t watch [the video] because I don’t like that kind of stuff.
“It’s just young guys thinking they can do anything in football. You’ve got to be held to account.
“I get what David is saying about needing the points but he should have dropped him and made a point.”
Zouma has since had his two cats seized by the RSPCA, who are now liaising with Essex Police over the video clip [BBC Sport].
Gary Lineker called Moyes’ call to play Zouma against Watford as a “tone-deaf decision” by the West Ham manager.
In other West Ham news, Tom Davis has blasted this “embarrassment” for his woeful performance against Kidderminster.