DIMITRI Payet refusing to play for West Ham United and effectively going on strike is no less than an act of betrayal.

The Hammers could have done no more for the Frenchman. They made him the club’s focal point. He has been adored by Slaven Bilic, the fans and backed by the owners.

He was made the highest paid player in the Hammers’ history when he penned a £125,000 a week deal in February. But despite the backing from Bilic and the club, Payet has thrown it all back in their face.

Before Payet joined West Ham, you would have been hard pushed to find an English football fan who had heard of him. Last season, he was superb and numerous pundits hailed him as the signing of the season.

But this season, he has not been the same effective player Hammers fans grew to love last term. It has been clear for months now that his head is elsewhere, so the news that the France international wants to move comes as no great surprise.

However, going on strike shows a lack of class and respect towards the club, a manager who has praised him at every opportunity and supporters who worshipped him.

Reports suggest he wants to rejoin Marseille 18 months after leaving the south of France for east London. But Marseille are sixth in Ligue One and not in the European places. So if it’s European football Payet is after, that would be the wrong move.

West Ham would be best to get rid of the wantaway playmaker this month, but only at the right price. The Frenchman is clearly top class so there is no point in letting him go for a small amount, regardless of him going on strike. But the Hammers must avoid selling him to a Premier League rival.

Payet should remember that without West Ham, he would not have had the honour of representing France on home soil at Euro 2016. He ought to have shown more respect towards the club that made him the talented player he is today.

But judging by Saturday’s performance against Crystal Palace, Payet may not be needed anyway!