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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

West Ham sponsor ‘strongly condemn’ Kurt Zouma’s actions after defender was selected to start vs Watford

Experience Kissimmee, an official sponsor of West Ham United, condemned Kurt Zouma after the defender was selected to start against Watford.

Police had confirmed earlier on Tuesday that they “are liaising with the RSPCA and urgent enquiries are ongoing” after a video emerged in which Zouma is seen kicking and slapping his cat.

The defender issued a public apology for the incident while the club themselves stressed they would deal with the matter internally too.

“West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated,” read a statement on Monday.

“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”

Still, the former Chelsea defender was selected to start against Watford, with manager David Moyes justifying the decision by saying he is one of the club’s “better players”.

“Experience Kissimmee strongly condemns the actions of player Kurt Zouma,” they wrote on Twitter.

“We will be monitoring the situation between Kurt Zouma and West Ham United, as we as an organization, community, and destination in no way condone animal cruelty.”

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