Mayor of London Sadiq Khan blasts Kurt Zouma and West Ham boss David Moyes amid cat scandal
Video showing West Ham defender Kurt Zouma kicking and hitting his cat has lead to Sadiq Khan denouncing the player, and David Moyes’ decision to play him.
The footage was obtained by The Sun on Monday night and has lead to extensive fall out in the form of condemnation from all quarters, and investigation from British and French authorities.
But the Hammers manager saw fit to keep the defender in the starting line-up for the match against Watford on Tuesday, which was met by wide-spread surprise from all angles.
The Mayor of London told Sky News, via The Mirror: “It’s despicable. I think a number of things need to happen urgently. I think the RSPCA and police need to work together to prosecute this player.
“I’m disappointed in David Moyes and West Ham. I know how important three points are, I support a club as well, they should have shown leadership and dropped him last night.
“I worry when young people see Premier League footballers getting away with bad behaviour then thinks it’s ok and you can be successful.”
He then told Good Morning Britain: “I think the owners and David Moyes should reflect on whether winning the points was more important than condoning.”
Bad look for club
Zouma’s behaviour clearly cannot be excused and while it should be pointed out he has apologised (Sky News) the damage was already done.
Compounding the situation was Moyes’ decision to put his and the Hammers’ immediate interests ahead of the wider situation.
It seems all the more unnecessary considering that although Issa Diop has not been the best lately, Watford are far from the most fearsome opponent.
A message has to be sent out that this sort of thing is not condoned by the club, but the manager has given the distinct impression he was not overly bothered.
The Hammers have since fined Zouma and released a statement that the money will go to animal welfare charities, but that comes across as only a secondary message.
Of course everything needs to be kept in perspective, and it is somewhat uncomfortable to see an overload of condemnation to this that does not arrive at other times when it probably should.
But with the London Mayor, the RSPCA, the Met Police and French authorities all involved now it is not looking great for Irons or their French international.
In other West Ham news, this BBC man has pointed out the “strange” atmosphere amid the current events.