Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland believes West Ham United should let Kurt Zouma go over the animal abuse controversy surrounding the defender.
It comes after a video of Zouma kicking and throwing his pet cat across a kitchen emerged on Monday evening.
Many took to social media to voice their concern about the incident.
Despite apologising about the event, Zouma has still been the subject of widespread criticism for his actions.
Amongst those angered by the video was WWE star Drew McIntyre, who labelled it “truly disgusting.”
Warning: The below video contains sensitive content.
Alongside Zouma was his brother Yoan, who is also a professional footballer.
Similarly, his club Dagenham & Redbridge were quick to respond, issuing a statement condemning the video:
“Since first becoming aware of the incident this morning the club has had discussions with Yoan and we will now take some time to consider our response.
“However, in the meantime, we would like to make it completely clear that we in no way condone any form of cruelty towards animals and take this matter”.
It comes just days after West Ham survived a humiliating FA Cup defeat against non-league Kidderminster Harriers.
Read: Declan Rice spends time with Kidderminster players after FA Cup tie
Zouma played 120 minutes of the FA Cup tie, but will not feature for West Ham for the foreseeable future.
The Premier League club have “unreservedly condemned” the defender’s actions.
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA have described the video as “upsetting” and urged people to report animal abuse.
Kirkland urges West Ham to sack Zouma
West Ham are due to welcome Watford on Tuesday evening, as they continue their search for Champions League football.
Having signed for the Hammers from Chelsea in the summer, Zouma’s omission would come as an unwanted blow for manager David Moyes.
West Ham made the rather shocking decision to start Zouma in that game. The call led to a string of replies from baffled fans criticising the club.
One former player has already called for Zouma to be let go by West Ham.
In an interview with TalkSport, former Liverpool goalkeeper Kirkland urged West Ham to sack Zouma:
“Kurt Zouma has to be sacked,” Kirkland claimed. “I wouldn’t want to play with Zouma again, seeing that has sickened me.
“If I was West Ham captain, I’d want to get Zouma out of the dressing room.”
When quizzed by Simon Jordan on if he thinks Zouma’s Premier League career is over, Kirkland’s response was: “I would imagine so, yes.”