RIO FERDINAND has called for Kurt Zouma to be ‘punished’ but praised West Ham captain Mark Noble for hosting a crisis meeting.
The scrutiny continued on Saturday as Newcastle fans mocked Zouma, 27, by displaying inflatable cats throughout their 1-1 draw.
West Ham skipper Noble called a team meeting this week so that the squad could ‘have it out’ following the French defender’s cat-kicking video went viral.
Ferdinand claimed this was a positive step but demanded the centre-back still needs to take it on the chin.
The ex-Hammer said: “Firstly, I think Kurt Zouma is remorseful, which is important when you make this big play with the situation.
“I think West Ham, with hindsight, they didn’t expect the uproar but they would look back and think: ‘Maybe we should have taken him out of the firing line against Watford.’
“What has happened since then, they have been scrutinised.
“He needs punishment.
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“The RSPCA are now investigating the case.
“I think a punishment will come and he will think: ‘I need to take that punishment that comes my way.'”
Ferdinand spoke to BT Sport, where he works as a pundit.
The 43-year-old lauded the Irons captain for dealing with the issue head on with his team.
He said: “We hear that Mark Noble has called a captain’s meeting as well.
“You need to know where your squad are at and it’s good to find out who’s not happy.
“What are you concerns about it? Let’s keep the harmony in the squad.
“Don’t forget West Ham are in a position to get into Europe and the Champions League even.
“They need to be mindful without glossing over the issue.
“I think Mark Noble has done an admirable job in that.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk