PUNDITS and fans tonight lashed out at Kurt Zouma as he kitted out for West Ham less than 24 hours after The Sun released a video showing him drop kicking his cat.
David Moyes named the 27-year-old in his team to face the Hornets despite uproar from fans after the vile clips were made public.
Both sets of fans tonight booed him as he warmed up – while thousands of others took to social media to slam West Ham’s decision to let him play.
Football pundits and celebrities also joined in the chorus of rage, sharing their frustrations.
Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling sarcastically tweeted: “That’s certainly taught Zouma a lesson @WestHam.
“He must be repentant now having suffered for so long before he wears the club’s shirt again!”
And former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro, who worked with Zouma before his West Ham move said: “Simple really you are an animal abuser or you are not.
“You get something from causing suffering to a vulnerable living being that cannot defend itself or you don’t and ‘apologies’ and ‘condemnation’ won’t stop this.”
Ex-Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan added: “Have to say I’m not in the demolish him camp, consequences, yes … ruination, no.
“But what are #whufc doing picking him tonight … Not sure they are reading the room right!”
West Ham legend James Collins told 5Live: “I think there is a lot of anger about (Kurt 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.”
Meanwhile, Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham said: “So @WestHam you have failed a nation of animal lovers and shamed a great footballing nation to boot.
“@betway how do you feel about a sick animal abuser with your name on his shirt?
“David Moyes you are a disgrace to sport.”
However, Zouma’s coach has said the video did not influence his decision to let him kit out.
Speaking to BT, he said: “No, because he is one of our better players.
“But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter.”
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But fans were not convinced, with one supporter writing: “West Ham have not done anywhere near enough. He should not be starting.
“I don’t know how to be a West Ham fan anymore if this is how they handle it. Disgusted.”
Another wrote: “West Ham you really can’t read the room can you?
“Appalling decision and shocking reflection on your poor judgment about what’s important in our society to field this player tonight.”
Meanwhile, an online petition calling for Zouma to be prosecuted for his actions has already racked up over 21,500 signatures.
A West Ham statement from earlier today had read: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
In the video the defender is seen attacking the pet at his £2million mansion while his brother films him.
Zouma drops the moggy and boots it in mid air across the kitchen floor.
The French international then chases the animal around his dining room in front of a child as the cameraman laughs.
Zouma also hurls a pair of designer shoes at the pet — which frantically tries to escape.
In a final clip, he is seen forcefully slapping the cat in the face — and out of the child’s arms.
Animal rights charity PETA tonight slammed his actions, saying: “Kurt Zouma has proved himself to be a bully and animal abuser, taking his petty issues out on the most defenseless.
“He must not only face the court of public opinion but also be hauled in front of a court of law!”
