Hammers boss David Moyes is set for a new grilling today over the West Ham Kurt Zouma situation as he faces the press ahead of Newcastle.
West Ham have been under the microscope for the last two weeks over their handling of the Zouma saga.
The Hammers have been engulfed in controversy since video emerged of Zouma kicking and slapping his pet cat.
West Ham condemned the Frenchman’s actions and the player apologised saying it was an ‘isolated incident’ that would ‘not happen again’.
West Ham have fined Zouma two weeks wages – which will be donated to animal welfare causes. The club released a statement on the matter insisting they would be making no further comment.
Moyes and vice-chair Karren Brady have both called for forgiveness for the £29m player.
West Ham faced calls to suspend and even sack Zouma following the emergence of the footage.
Zouma’s actions sparked a media storm with calls for punishments from across football and beyond. The world and its wife has been having their say. But Hammers supporters – while in no way condoning Zouma’s actions – feel some of the reaction has been over the top.
Moyes elected to keep the matter separate from football, playing the France international against Watford.
Zouma was then set to play again in the 2-2 draw with Leicester last time out but withdrew from the starting line-up after feeling unwell.
David Moyes set for new grilling over West Ham Kurt Zouma situation as he faces press ahead of Newcastle
With the defender expected to be available again for Newcastle, Moyes is set for a new grilling over the West Ham Zouma situation when he faces the press today.
West Ham and Newcastle need to win the London Stadium clash for very different reasons.
The Hammers are looking to keep the pace in the race for the top four while Newcastle will be desperate to put some daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
Moyes faces something of a dilemma after Issa Diop put in a man of the match display as a late replacement for Zouma at Leicester.
A fully fit Zouma would always start for West Ham and he was one of the best players on the pitch when he played against Watford.
The furore surrounding Zouma has subsided somewhat this week. But reporters are sure to question Moyes over his availability for Newcastle when he sits down with the press this afternoon.
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