David Moyes defends decision to start Kurt Zouma against Watford

David Moyes has defended his decision to start Kurt Zouma for West Ham's 1-0 win over Watford on Tuesday, despite footage emerging of the defender abusing his cat.

The video in question showed Zouma kicking and slapping his pet while laughing in front of a child. West Ham are investigating the matter internally and the player has apologised, but the Frenchman was widely expected to be dropped against the Hornets.

However, that did not happen, with Zouma playing the full 90 minutes as the Hammers secured three points.

Speaking after the game, Moyes defended his decision to field the former Chelsea man.

"I’m really disappointed, and the club have taken all the action they can do at the moment behind the scenes. My job is to pick the best team and Kurt was part of that," he claimed.

"I’m a big animal lover and it’s something that will have affected a lot of people.

"I was completely disappointed with what I saw and what I was told, but my job was to try and find a way to get a win for West Ham. Some people will be disappointed and I understand that.

"I’m someone who cares a lot about my dogs and my horses. The club are dealing with it as you well know.

"I’ve already spoken to him and we’ll move on as much as we can. We understand it’s not something everybody is pleased about. It’s a really poor situation.

"Was it the wrong call? My feeling was Kurt’s apologised. I understand lots of people won’t just accept that. But I had to do my job then, and that was to pick the best team I could.

"He’s obviously really disappointed and we’ve all felt it through the team and through the club. We are all of the same feeling it was completely out of order from Kurt and we didn’t expect that.

"I always felt I had to try and separate them and let the club do their side and I’ll do my side which is the football side. I think you are talking to one of the most disciplinary managers there is.

"It’s something which we are all really disappointed with and the club are dealing with it. Kurt is in our first XI so my decision was to play him."

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