Much-discussed Kurt Zouma drops out after ‘bad feeling during warm-up’ | Football

“Issa Diop replaces Kurt Zouma in the starting line-up because he (Zouma) felt bad during the warm-up,” West Ham said on Twitter. The Frenchman was on the scoresheet that was published an hour before kick-off and did start warming up.

According to British media, Zouma consulted with medical staff on the sidelines for a long time before returning to the changing rooms. The player finds himself in the eye of the storm after The Sun On Tuesday, a video circulated in which Zouma kicks his cat, throws a shoe and also slaps the animal while the animal is held by a child.

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That didn’t stop the London club from fielding him against Watford that same day. During that match he was booed by the fans of the opponent and even some of his own supporters.

The Hammers defended the decision by stating that they could not miss one of their best players in the battle for a Champions League ticket. West Ham imposed a huge fine of €300,000 on him, the most severe financial sanction possible. Sportswear brand Adidas even broke the sponsorship contract with the defender.

The incident is still under investigation by the local animal welfare agency and Essex Police. More than 330,000 people have since signed an online petition to have Zouma prosecuted by the courts.

(Source: Het Nieuwsblad)

Without Zouma, West Ham were left with a point from the visit to Leicester. Thanks to a goal in injury time from Craig Dawson, West Ham still played 2-2.