David Moyes has justified himself after the game with Watford on Tuesday evening for his choice to field Kurt Zouma. Shocking images surfaced on Monday of how the 27-year-old defender of West Ham United mistreated his cat. Manager Moyes nevertheless felt compelled to draft the best team, he told the BBC† The mayor of London does not agree with the coach’s decision, and opposes Sky Sports hard out.
In the images, which were released by The Sun, is seen as Zouma drops his cat and kicks into the kitchen of his London villa. Then it can be seen that the eleven-time French international is chasing the cat and throwing shoes in its direction. West Ham said it was already “shocked” by the images and the animal cruelty. The case would be reported by the Hammers ‘treated internally’.
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— Alexe (@A1exGB) February 7, 2022
In spite of this, Moyes, who himself decided against the BBC ‘an animal lover’, calling Zouma ‘just’ for the Premier League match with Watford (1-0 win). “I understand that people are angry, but I am also a manager here,” Moyes explained. “I had to choose a team that gave me the best chance of winning here. Kurt has apologized and I understand that many people don’t think that is enough. But he came to me and I had to do my job.”
Moyes’s choice came under a lot of criticism, including from animal rights organizations, fans and analysts. Zouma was whistled during the game by both West Ham and Watford supporters. Former midfielder of the Hammers Joe Cole called it a “miscalculation” by Moyes to draft the defender; Gary Lineker called the trainer “tone deaf.” Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, was also present Sky Sports Not to mention Moyes’ choice: “This is despicable. I know how important three points are for a football club, but the club should have shown leadership here and not put Zouma up. I worry when young people see and think this that you can just get away with this kind of behavior.” There is a chance that Zouma will still be prosecuted for animal cruelty.