West Ham boss understands why Patrice Evra kicked a fan whilst at Marseille

David Moyes had no qualms about signing Patrice Evra and says he understands why the defender kicked a fan who allegedly abused him.

In November Evra, 36, was banned by UEFA until the end of the season and had his contract terminated by Marseille after he lashed out at a supporter.

But with West Ham in the midst of an injury crisis, Hammers boss Moyes this week snapped up the former Manchester United full-back on a free transfer.

"Do I have any concerns? No, not from what he told me," said Moyes.

"He told me what happened, so none at all. It shows that he will stand up for himself and won't take anything.

"When he told me what the supporter said to him, I'd have had no complaints.

"I wouldn't be happy with him doing it on my watch. But I think when you heard what the supporter said, you can understand it more."

Despite him not having played for three months, Moyes is ready to pitch Evra - still eligible to play in the Premier League - straight into his squad to face Watford on Saturday.

With Arthur Masuaku still suspended for the next four games for spitting, Evra is set to fill in at left wing-back despite his advancing years.

"I'd considered signing him during January as, when Arthur got sent off, I knew we were short," added Moyes, who managed Evra at Old Trafford.

"I know him well, what he is capable of, what he will bring. His level of professionalism is as good as anybody's and hopefully we can get him ready as quick as we possibly can.

"We have got him here to play. He could play against Watford, he's not far away in my eyes, as he has been training.

"He played in November, so he's no different from someone who has had a long injury and getting back playing quickly is the best thing you can do."

Moyes also reiterated his, and the club's, stance that he will not discuss a new contract until the end of the season after a report this week claimed he could leave once his current short-term deal ends.

"I've said from the start there is no point asking me about a contract or the club about a contract before the end of the season because we both won't be discussing it," he said.

"From that point of view we will wait until the end of the season. I don't know where the story came from."