Kirkland attempts to "clear up" racism comments made over Zouma cat incident

Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has issued an update to his Twitter followers surrounding comments he made on BBC Breakfast over Kurt Zouma being filmed kicking and punching a cat at his home.

The former Wigan Athletic and Preston North End shot-stopper suggested that Zouma's actions were "worse than" racism while berating the decision from West Ham to play the French defender on Tuesday night.

Speaking to the BBC, Kirkland said: "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.

"I'm a big advocate for mental health and obviously need to be careful with what I say because it's bound to test Kurt Zouma but he's brought it all on 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, fighting six to 10 games - this is worse if anything, what is the difference?"

Kirkland went on to question the lack of interference from the FA, asking "why have the FA not stepped in to ban him for this? It's beyond disbelief."

His comments sparked backlash from all different corners of social media and in turn prompted Kirkland to release a video of his own explaining his remarks.

Talking to his followers, Kirkland said: "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."

Zouma featured for the Hammers during their 1-0 home victory against Watford just hours after the footage had been leaked online.

West Ham boss David Moyes stood by his decision to pick the Frenchman despite the controversy.

The Scot was asked if the video had any influence in his decision to select Zouma, but Moyes insisted: "No, because he is one of our better players. But it is certainly ongoing and the club are dealing with it, so that is a separate matter."