West Ham's Antonio questions whether cat abuse is worse than racism
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After a wave of abuse directed at Kurt Zouma on social media, Michail Antonio says, “there are people that have been convicted and been caught for racism, and have played football afterward.”
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West Ham United Football player Kurt Zouma
Michail Antonio of West Ham United has questioned why there are calls for teammate Kurt Zouma to be fired for abusing his cat when footballers have been allowed to play after being found guilty of racism.
France international defender Zouma, who played in the Premier League against Watford on Tuesday, has been widely condemned after a video of him dropping, kicking, and slapping his pet went viral.
Zouma, who has apologized, is being investigated by animal welfare charity RSPCA, and his two cats have been taken into their care.
The 27-year-old has been fined "the maximum amount possible," which is thought to be around £250,000 ($340,000).
More than 275,000 people have signed an online petition demanding that Zouma be prosecuted, as public outrage grows.
However, when asked about the incident in an interview with Sky Sports News, West Ham forward Antonio stated that while he did not condone Zouma's actions, he felt there was a need for a wider debate.
"I've got a question for you. Do you think what he's done is worse than racism?" Antonio said.
"I'm not condoning a thing that he's done, I don't agree with what he has done at all," West Ham forward added.
"But there are people that have been convicted and been caught for racism and have played football afterward. They got an eight-game punishment or something like that, but people are now calling for people to be sacked, for them to lose their livelihood."
The player could not but wonder, "I've just got to ask this question to everyone out there -- is what he's (Zouma) done worse than what the people have done that (were) convicted of racism?"
Adidas, the defender's official personal kit supplier, confirmed that they cut ties with the player on Wednesday.
Vitality, an insurance and investment firm, confirmed it was ceasing sponsorship as West Ham's official wellness partner, and another sponsor, Experience Kissimmee, has also ceased sponsorship.
The reaction in France has also been strong, with animal rights organizations condemning Zouma's actions.
