Kurt Zouma has been named in West Ham’s starting against Watford tonight (Tuesday).
Just hours after reprehensible footage of the French defender drop-kicking a cat across the floor came to light, he was being lined up to face the court of public opinion at the London Stadium.
Zouma, who has apologised for the dreadful scenes, was originally thought to be facing at least one match, if not more, on the sidelines, as punishment for his affront to domesticated pets.
But he was named in the starting XI to face the Hornets in a huge game for the Hammers.
Manager David Moyes is going for glory on three fronts – a top-four finish in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League – and there is no edict which prevents him from picking Zouma.
His descent into feline cruelty has outraged people far beyond the boundaries of animal liberation campaigners.
Zouma, 27, played in the FA Cup fourth round scare at Kidderminster on Saturday, when the Hammers were lucky to escape a monumental upset as skipper Declan Rice conjured a 91st-minute equaliser before Jarrod Bowen’s last-gasp winner in extra time.
A statement from West Ham after the footage was released by The Sun on Monday read: "West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
"We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals."
Zouma apologised for his actions, telling The Sun: "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."
