Paul Merson has backed the choice by West Ham to pick Kurt Zouma regardless of the present controversy surrounding the defender.
Zouma has been universally slated for his actions after a video on social media confirmed him hitting and kicking his pet cat. The 27-year-old has been fined two weeks wages – regarded as round £250,000. He has additionally been dropped by certainly one of his sponsors.
And Vitality – certainly one of West Ham’s sponsors – have suspended their take care of the membership. There was an enormous backlash when the France star was chosen for the Hammers 1-0 victory over Watford on Tuesday evening.
Followers from each golf equipment booed the previous Chelsea stopper all through the competition. And he can anticipate extra of the identical when the East Finish outfit play Leicester Metropolis at King Energy Stadium on Sunday.
Supervisor David Moyes was criticised for selecting Zouma to face the Hornets. Many ex-players and pundits felt it despatched out the unsuitable message.
However, whereas not condoning Zouma’s actions, Merson believes the Scottish tactician made the proper name.
“West Ham did the suitable factor taking part in Kurt Zouma despite the fact that that video of him made me really feel sick,” he wrote within the Each day Star. “The Premier League haven’t banned him. Why ought to West Ham? Why ought to they make the principles?”
And the previous Arsenal star put ahead his personal concept as to why Moyes opted for the controversial choice.
“I don’t suppose West Ham had any alternative,” he added. “They’ve a as soon as in a lifetime alternative to get within the Champions League and he’s their finest defender.
“You may’t punish the membership for one man’s stupidity, and in the event you’re David Moyes, you must play him and anticipate him to face the results.”
Zouma a ‘shame’
There was nothing however condemnation for Zouma’s inexplicable actions. The centre-back’s brother Yoan Zouma, who recorded the footage, has been suspended by Nationwide League facet Dagenham and Redbridge.
It’s unlikely that the state of affairs will go away any time quickly such is the disgust at his actions. However Merson agrees with West Ham’s choice after their swift motion.
“For those who’re the membership, and also you’re paying him a fortune, and also you want him, and the police have taken no motion towards him – it’s essential to play him,” he continued.
“West Ham condemned him. They’ve fined him. They’ve donated the cash to animal welfare charities. And he’s apologised.
“None of that condones what he did as a result of it was an absolute shame.”
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