cat calls
‘That’s how your cat feels’ – Watford fans sing to Kurt Zouma as shamed West Ham star is fouled after vile cat video
WATFORD fans aimed a dig at shamed Kurt Zouma after he was fouled during the Premier League clash at the London Stadium.
The West Ham defender was surprisingly picked to start just 24 hours after shocking video emerged of him KICKING and HITTING his cat at home.
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Zouma, 27, received widespread criticism for his vile actions in the video and was booed by BOTH sets of fans as he warmed up.
Hornets fans also aimed a barrage of insults at the France international as they labelled him a 'w***er' and chanted 'RSPCA' when he was in possession.
After he went down holding his ankle in the box after a collision with Josh King, Zouma was the target of more chants.
Travelling fans sang 'that's how your cat feels!' as the French centre-back lay on the ground.
Essex Police have now revealed they are making 'urgent enquiries' into the footage.
They confirmed: “We are aware of a video circulating on social media relating to an incident involving a cat which members of our communities may find distressing.
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“We have recently been made aware that this incident may have taken place in Essex and we are liaising with the RSPCA and urgent enquiries are ongoing.”
Surrey Police also added that they carried out a number of enquiries with the RSPCA before realising that the ordeal was not in their force area.
Zouma was forced to issue a grovelling apology and his club condemned his actions after the sick footage emerged.
West Ham officials said the matter would be dealt with internally before manager David Moyes made the surprise call to keep him in the squad.
Asked if the video had any bearing on his decision to start Zouma, Moyes said ahead of kick-off: “No because he’s one of our better players, but it’s certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it.”
But former Hammers defender James Collins slammed the call to play Zouma alongside Craig Dawson in the hosts' backline.
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Collins told BBC Radio 5Live: "I think there is a lot of anger about (Zouma being picked to play) and rightly so.
"It's a big call from the football club, I personally don't think it is the right call. I don't think the club should have made him available for the game.
"I think there should be some sort of sanction against him. It's a huge call from the club but in my opinion they have got it wrong."
There were furious calls online ahead of kick-off urging the RSPCA to investigate the ex-Chelsea star.
Social media users were left open-mouthed at the player’s inclusion, with one fuming: "Shocking from everyone at the club. Zouma shouldn't be anywhere near that stadium."
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Another slammed the decision: "ZOUMA STARTING IS DISGUSTING"
And a third raged: "Zouma is still playing?!!!!! No, that’s unacceptable. What does that say about us as a club? Shameful."
An online petition calling for the police to intervene had gathered almost 24,000 signatures before kick-off.
And sponsor Experience Kissimmee said in a statement: “Experience Kissimmee strongly condemns the actions of player Kurt Zouma.
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“We will be monitoring the situation between Kurt Zouma and West Ham United, as we as an organisation, community, and destination in no way condone animal cruelty.”
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