West Ham boss David Moyes says Kurt Zouma is available for today’s game at Leicester amid the controversy of the defender being filmed kicking his cat.
Moyes was criticised for picking Zouma against Watford on Tuesday after the video of the defender emerged.
“There are different views whether he should be available. We decided he should. I stand by that,” said Moyes.
Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible by the Hammers, with the club “currently in the process of identifying the appropriate animal welfare charities” to benefit from the funds.
“I don’t think a club could have taken action any quicker than they’ve done at the moment. West Ham have done a really good job,” added Moyes.
“I’m not condoning him, his actions were terrible. They were diabolical but we’ve chosen to play him and we stand by that.
The fallout from the incident has resulted in German sportswear firm Adidas ending its deal with the Hammers player.
West Ham sponsor Experience Kissimmee has also ended its deal with the club, while Vitality, another sponsor, has suspended its contract with the club.
The Hammers signed Zouma for £29.8m from Chelsea in August 2021 and he has helped them to fourth place going into the game against the Foxes.
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