Ex-Premier League Footballer Issues Statement After Saying Kurt Zouma Kicking His Cat Was 'Worse' Than Racism

Kirkland, who hung up the gloves back in 2016 following an 18-year career, was invited onto a BBC News show to discuss the shocking video involving West Ham defender Zouma, but quickly found himself in the firing line for his own comments.

"Everywhere they go now and everywhere he [Zouma] goes, he's going to be targeted and rightfully so as well because he deserves everything he's going to get," Kirkland said in an interview with the BBC.

"I'm a bit advocate for mental health, so I have to be careful what I say because it's bound to test Zouma, but he's brought it all upon himself by a sickening video.

"I'm still in disbelief that West Ham played him last night, I thought that was disgraceful but again The FA for me, if it was a racism case, the FA have acted, stepped in and banned players for six to 10 games, biting six to 10 games.

"This is worse if anything, what is the difference?"

When the segment aired on the BBC, Kirkland was immediately met with widespread backlash from fans condemning him for his comments.

Now the ex-Liverpool and Wigan shot stopper has been forced to issue a public apology of his own.

Well, he didn't exactly apologise as such, although he did offer some explanation to his trail of thought.

"Hi, just a quick video - I know a lot of people seem to be offended and listen I totally understand with what I said this morning about the Kurt Zouma situation.

"Obviously I mentioned racism and about if players have been banned before, I know I said that it's possibly worse and that but what I meant was animals can't defend themselves - they've not got a voice.

"Obviously humans have but listen, racism goes without saying it's an absolute disgrace and anyone who does that should be locked up, people know how I feel about that I don't have to say that.

"But yeah, it was just in the context that animals can't defend themselves, they've not got a voice, I meant in that way not obviously the other way so hope that clears it up and yeah, take care everybody."

As for Zouma himself, he has been dropped from the Irons' squad and has also been slapped with a £250,000 fine.

It's understood his two pet cats have been seized by the RSPCA too.