The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has slammed David Moyes and West Ham for allowing Kurt Zouma to play against Watford on Tuesday night amid accusations of animal cruelty.
A video emerged on Monday allegedly showing Zouma kicking and slapping his pet cat, with the Hammers “unreservedly condemning” the defender in a statement on the matter.
Despite that condemnation, Zouma was still included by Moyes in the starting line-up for the visit of the Hornets, which West Ham went on to win thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s deflected effort in the second-half.
Zouma was roundly booed and jeered throughout the match by both sets of supporters, with Essex Police announcing that “urgent enquires” between themselves and the RSPCA had been started.
Both Moyes and the Premier League club have now been slammed by Labour mayor Khan, who called for Zouma to be prosecuted for his actions.
“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,” he told Sky News.
“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.
“That’s why it’s really important for leaders and role models, whether you’re the footballer or the mayor, we’re role models and we should lead by example.”
In a separate interview with Good Morning Britain, Khan reiterated his shock at both Zouma and West Ham’s actions.
“If you get away with bad behaviour, whether you’re the prime minister, the mayor or a footballer, young people who look up to you think that’s the way to behave,” he said.
“I think the owners and David Moyes should reflect on whether winning the points was more important than condoning.”
Moyes did attempt to defend his decision to start Zouma against Watford, insisting that his full focus was on giving his side the best chance to win.
“He'll learn from it [but] today I had to pick a football team that gave me the best chance of winning the game as manager of West Ham,” he told Match of the Day.
“I know how people feel, but I'm also a football manager here. I have spoken to [Zouma] and we will move on as much as we can.
“We wanted to get this game out of the way and we understand nobody will be pleased about it. It is a poor situation.
“I am someone who cares a lot about my dogs and horses and all the people I am connected with. I think the club would rather deal with it all in time and they will let you know what the action is.”
