Kurt Zouma named in West Ham team as police investigate cat-kicking video

Kurt Zouma was named in West Ham’s starting line-up against Watford despite his cat-kicking shame “because he is one of our better players”, according to Hammers boss David Moyes.

The French defender was condemned by his club, the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups after a video emerged of him dropping, kicking and slapping his pet cat.

Zouma has apologised for his actions while Essex Police have confirmed they are liaising with the RSPCA as part of their “urgent enquiries”.

Yet despite the widespread revulsion towards the video, Hammers manager David Moyes has controversially stuck with the 27-year-old.

When asked before kick-off if the video had had any influence on his decision to play Zouma against Watford, the Scot told BT Sport: “No, because he is one of our better players. But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter.”

In the video, Zouma is seen kicking and slapping the cat, while laughter can be heard in the background. The France international then chases the animal before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head.

Former West Ham player Joe Cole, appearing as a BT Sport pundit, said: “I think it’s a miscalculation by the club – he could have sat this one out.

“But he’s here, he’s starting. It’s an unusual disciplinary matter, I don’t remember seeing animal cruelty within football.

A statement from Essex Police read: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat, which members of our communities may find distressing.

“We have recently been made aware that this incident may have taken place in Essex and we are liaising with the RSPCA. Urgent enquiries are ongoing.”

The RSPCA said it had received “lots of