Kurt Zouma: West Ham player available for Leicester City match despite 'diabolical' cat kick video
Kurt Zouma will be available to play for West Ham against Leicester City on Sunday after he was seen in a horrific video kicking a cat, manager David Moyes has said.
"We as a club took the decision that we would make him available, and I stand by that," Moyes said.
"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.
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"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."
'His actions were terrible.' manager says
Asked if the club's decision sent mixed messages, he replied: "I don't think the club could have taken more action any quicker than they have at the moment.
"His actions were terrible, we all accepted they were diabolical and none of us like them. But we've chosen to play him and we stand by that."
Zouma has been fined the maximum two weeks' wages by the club - understood by Sky News to be £250,000 - which will go to animal welfare groups.
Brother suspended for filming video
His brother Yoan has been suspended by Dagenham & Redridge for his role in filming the video.
In the footage Zouma was filmed kicked his pet cat, with laughter heard ringing in the background.
Cats taken into care
Both of Zouma's cats have now been taken into the care of RSPCA. The animals are not available for rehoming, the animal welfare charity said.
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.
"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."
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The RSPCA is leading an investigation, alongside Essex Police, which Zouma is co-operating with.
Petition calls on Zouma to be prosecuted
Shortly after the footage was released he issued a statement saying there were "no excuses" for his behaviour and adding that he was "deeply sorry if clip upset anyone.
A Change.org petition calling on Zouma to be prosecuted has been signed by over 310,000 people.
Source: Sky News
