Michail Antonio splits fans with racism comparison to Kurt Zouma’s cat abuse

Michail Antonio has split fans with his opinion on whether Kurt Zouma was handed a fitting punishment for the vile abuse of his pet cat – having responded with a question over racism.

The West Ham striker was asked about Zouma's punishment, which is believed to have been a £250,000 fine, while in his car on Thursday (February 10).

Antonio decided to give his response with a question, asking those at home if the actions of the France international defender are worse than previous cases of racism in the sport.

When asked if there should've been a harsher punishment for Zouma's actions, Antonio told Sky Sports News while leaning from his car window: "I've got a question for you.

"So, do you think, he has done is worse than racism?"

Adding: "I'm not condoning a thing that he's done. I don't agree with what he has done, at all. But… there's people that have been convicted, been caught for racism and has played football afterwards.

"They got punished, got an eight-game punishment or something like that, but, people are now calling for people to be sacked from their livelihood.

"I've just got to ask this question to everyone out there, is what he's done worse than what the people have done that are convicted for racism?"

That opinion has divided football fans, with many in agreement and others arguing that the two are not directly comparable.

One said: "Why's he conflating this scenario with racism? Both are abhorrent, I don't see the necessity of doing this."

With a second saying: "Both very wrong in their own right and should not be compared."

But a third noting: "Wasn't going to address the issue but it's embarrassing how there are stricter punishments for animal abuse than racism."

And a fourth agreeing: "The Zouma situation should be dealt with separately. But he does make a very valid point."

Both West Ham and Zouma had released statements before the win over Watford, with the club saying that the matter will be dealt with internally.

They wrote: "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."

With Zouma saying in his own statement: "I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.

"I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.

"They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again."

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