Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has urged caution against ‘cancelling’ Kurt Zouma as criticism continues to pour in for a shocking video which appeared to show the West Ham player kicking and punching his pet cat. How the Frenchman should be dealt with has become a topic of hot debate in the subsequent days, and while some believe he should never play for the Hammers again, Deeney seems to have taken a different view.
The saga was thrust into overdrive when West Ham boss David Moyes decided to start Zouma against the Hornets in midweek, just one day after the video surfaced.
He was relentlessly booed by both sets of supporters, and subsequently fined ‘the maximum amount possible’ by the club, believed to be two weeks’ wages.
Zouma’s younger brother, Yoan, has been suspended by Dagenham and Redbridge until the RSPCA conclude their investigation into the incident.
Respected figures such as Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have called for the Hammers to follow suit, although Deeney has urged caution.
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“Yet we have seen other players banned for a certain number of games for racial abuse and never had a contract dropped or people pulling money away from the club.
“So, it sparks that question or a debate of: ‘Is it because it is a black footballer?’
“It becomes a really heated topic. That’s what the dressing room will be like.”
Indeed, Antonio did condemn Zouma’s actions when pressed on the matter this week, although he seemed to question the scale of response, particularly in relation to past instances of racism.
Whatever dynamic may be troubling the West Ham dressing room must be worked through quickly, with a trip to the King Power Stadium scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
On Tuesday evening, Moyes justified Zouma’s selection by labelling him ‘one of his better players’, and it remains to be seen whether he is willing to face more backlash.
The Hammers are at a crucial stage of their season, precariously occupying fourth spot with the chasing pack all boasting games in hand.
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