Kurt Zouma to play for West Ham despite cat kicking instance, confirms manager Moyes

Kurt Zouma will be available to play for West Ham against Leicester City on Sunday, according to manager David Moyes, after he was seen on film kicking a cat.

“We as a club took the decision that we would make him available, and I stand by that,” Moyes said.

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“We are so disappointed,” Moyes added. “It’s completely out of character from Kurt. We’ve never seen this in him. He’s a really good lad. I’m really surprised by it. We’re going to get him some help. He is getting help. So we are trying to do as much as we can as a club, as a team, to help him,” he continued.

The club has fined Zouma the maximum two weeks’ pay, which Sky News understands to be £250,000 and will be donated to animal charity organisations.

Dagenham & Redridge has suspended his brother Yoan for his role in filming the video.

In the video, Zouma is seen kicking his beloved cat while laughter can be heard in the background.

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The RSPCA has now taken both of Zouma’s kitties into their care. The animals are not available for adoption, according to the animal welfare organisation.

An RSPCA spokesperson said, “Two cats are in our care, have been seen by a vet and are being well looked after. They will remain in our care while the investigation continues and are not available for rehoming although we have lots of beautiful cats who are looking for new homes. We understand the high level of interest in this incident and can reassure you that our experienced officers are carrying out a full and thorough investigation.”

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“Due to the fact that this is a live investigation, we are limited in what we can say, however we will provide updates when we are able,” they added.

The RSPCA is conducting the inquiry, which is being assisted by Essex Police, with whom Zouma is cooperating.

He made a statement shortly after the film was aired, stating there were “no excuses” for his actions and that he was “deeply sorry if clip upset anyone.”