Kurt Zouma taunted by fans as Newcastle continue revival

West Ham defender was booed by supporters throughout the 1-1 draw on Saturday

West Ham United's French defender Kurt Zouma (L) and West Ham United's English defender Craig Dawson (R) speak together during the English Premier League football match between West Ham and Newcastle United at the London Stadium, in London on February 19, 2022. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

West Ham United defender Kurt Zouma was booed during the match against Newcastle. AFP

Newcastle fans hold inflatable cat toys during the match against West Ham in London. Getty

An inflatable cat is thrown from the stands on Saturday. Reuters

A Newcastle United fan in the crowd holds up an inflatable cat. PA

Newcastle United's English midfielder Joe Willock, centre, celebrates after scoring against West Ham. AFP

West Ham United Craig Dawson, third right, scores in London. AFP

West Ham United's Craig Dawson celebrates scoring. AFP

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, left, and West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen argue. AFP

Newcastle United continued their resurgence on Saturday with a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw at top-four hopefuls West Ham.

Joe Willock cancelled out Craig Dawson’s header as the Magpies made it six Premier League games unbeaten.

However, the spotlight was firmly on West Ham defender Kurt Zouma who was taunted by Newcastle fans, with inflatable cat toys waved at him at the London Stadium.

France international Zouma pulled out of last weekend's draw at Leicester, having fallen ill before kick-off. However, Newcastle supporters showed no mercy to the 27-year-old, who was making his second Premier League appearance since a video emerged that showed him kicking and slapping his pet cat.

Zouma was fined two weeks' wages by West Ham and dropped by sponsors Adidas. The former Chelsea centre-back issued an apology but his behaviour continues to be condemned.

Despite the outcry, West Ham manager David Moyes chose to play Zouma against Watford immediately after the video went viral.

Zouma was loudly booed by Newcastle fans throughout the match on Saturday.

On the pitch, there was more bad news for West Ham as they were booed off after their bid for a top four finish in the Premier League suffered a blow.

West Ham remain fifth, one point behind Manchester United having played a game more. Newcastle stay fourth bottom, having moved five points clear of the relegation zone with a sixth successive unbeaten league game.

"When I saw it go in I was so delighted. It’s been a long time coming," Willock told BT Sport.

"I'm happy to score and help the team. That's how football is – it never goes how you want it to go. I've tried to stick to my task and take on board what the manager wanted me to do."

Newcastle have spent most of the season in the relegation zone and continued to struggle after Eddie Howe succeeded Steve Bruce in November but they have turned a corner and travelled to East London on a run of three consecutive victories.

Their revival has been fuelled by major investment in the transfer window following their takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund although Willock also credited Howe for their transformation.

"He's a brilliant manager and a brilliant person. He’s a manager we all trust and we all buy into what he wants to do. Long may it continue," added Willock.

"I thought we brought our game plan to them. We were very dominant in the first half and had moments in the second half. It shows how far we’ve come and how much the manager has instilled into us."