RICHARD Madeley slammed West Ham’s decision to play defender Kurt Zouma after a horrific video of him kicking his cat.
He lashed out at the London club during an interview with London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Good Morning Britain today, saying: “Would you agree it was shameless for West Ham to play him last night?”
Richard, 65, continued: “It’s the definition of shameless, and contempt of public opinion, including their own fans.”
“(West Ham) fans booed him every time he got a touch of the ball.
“I think it was the definition of shameless.”
Susanna Reid also asked Khan: “Is that the sort of behaviour we should be showing young people?”
The Mayor went on to criticise Hammers boss David Moyes, who named the 27-year-old in his starting XI for the 1-0 victory over Watford despite uproar from fans after the vile clips were made public by The Celeb Report.
“This footballer is a disgrace,” he said.
“I think the RSPCA and the police should be looking into a criminal prosecution.
“West Ham, as his employer, and as a club that is loved by tens of thousands of fans across London and across the country should be taking action.”
Zouma was loudly booed by both sets of supporters after his shock inclusion in the West Ham squad to face Watford.
Home and away supporters alike made their opinions known both during the warm-up and after kick-off at London Stadium.
Hornets fans then aimed a barrage of insults at the France international as they labelled him a ‘w****r’ and chanted ‘RSPCA’ when he was in possession.
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 Moyes made the surprise call to keep him in the squad.
Asked if the incident had any bearing on his decision to start Zouma, the Scottish tactician said: “No because he’s one of our better players, but it’s certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it.”
