Premier League: Kalvin Phillips shocks England with obscene gesture, his manager defends him

West Ham manager David Moyes on Monday defended his defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who was disliked by some of the "Hammers" supporters and committed an obscene gesture this weekend.

Loaned to the north London club by Manchester City during the winter transfer window, the England international in search of playing time with a view to Euro-2024 has multiplied the poor performances in his new jersey (he was involved in goals conceded in his first two matches with the Hammers and sent off in the fourth).

Saturday, during the spectacular defeat at Newcastle (4-3), the defensive midfielder came on in the 69th minute, while his team led 3-1. He conceded a penalty seven minutes later, converted by the Magpies, and was caught early on Newcastle's last goal.

A video broadcast by several media outlets, including the tabloid The Sun, shows the 28-year-old giving the finger to a supporter criticizing his performance as he gets back on the team bus.

“Kalvin is a human being and like all of us, he can do certain things in difficult times,” his manager, David Moyes, apologized on Monday. He needs support, people to help him, and we are going to defend him and help him as much as possible.”

On the eve of the reception of Tottenham on behalf of the 31st day of the Premier League, Moyes launched an appeal to the public at the London Stadium: “Obviously all our supporters must support all our players, whoever they are.”

“Kalvin Phillips is a really good player, an international, and I am convinced that he is an excellent footballer,” continued the manager.

Time is running out for Kalvin Phillips, whose international status has frayed in recent months. As Euro 2024 approaches (June 14 - July 14), the Three Lions coach, Gareth Southgate, had not called him up for the two friendly matches played by the European vice-champions last month ( defeat against Brazil 1-0, draw against Belgium 2-2).