Thread by @MetroUK

'What does it say about West Ham United that Kurt Zouma could be filmed taking part in sickening animal abuse and then start against Watford in the next game?'

Joe Hurst ✍️

👇🧵
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'Last year, Leicester City players James Maddison and Ayoze Perez were dropped by manager Brendon Rodgers after it emerged that the two had broken Covid guidance.'

'In December, Pep Guardiola dropped England stars Phil Foden and Jack Grealish from the first Manchester City team after Guardiola decided that their behaviour off the pitch was ‘not proper’.'

As Guardiola said at the time: ‘When [their behaviour] off the pitch is not proper, they are not going to play.’

'So, what does it say about West Ham United that Kurt Zouma could be filmed taking part in sickening animal abuse and then start against Watford in the next game?'

'For those who haven’t seen it, the French international was caught on film slapping and kicking his pet cat, in footage uploaded to Snapchat.'

'The RSPCA said on Wednesday it had seized both his pet cats.'

'The story of West Ham so far this season has been one of brilliance on the pitch and incompetence off it.'

'This has been one of the best seasons I can remember as a West Ham fan.'

'So, it is incredibly frustrating that the actions of the people running the club...

...is threatening to ruin all of that.'

'Manager David Moyes defended the decision to start Zouma by claiming it was simply his job to get three points for the Hammers.'

'The verdict of fans was clear, with both home and away supporters booing Zouma’s every touch.'

'Instead of demonstrating the values of West Ham Football club by suspending Zouma, we’ve shown the footballing world that we’re quick to discard values if we think they might get in the way of winning.'

'If the club creates a reputation for itself that it is cold and callous, even in the face of animal abuse, then sponsors will drop us, and future investors will be deterred.'

'West Ham has now fined Zouma £250k & axed him from the squad for the next game.'

'But with news of sponsors already cutting ties with the club this may be a case of too little, too late.'

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