MX23RW : Friday, March 1 12:14:19
Feb 24, 2019 at 4.30pm UK at ​Wembley Stadium (London)
Attendance: 81,775
Chelsea
0-0
Man CityManchester City
FT
(aet)
Man City win 4-3 on penalties

Kepa Arrizabalaga fined by Chelsea for cup final antics

Kepa Arrizabalaga fined by Chelsea for cup final antics
© Reuters
The goalkeeper refused to be substituted before the Blues lost the Carabao Cup final on penalties.

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been fined one week's wages and admitted he made a "big mistake" after refusing to be substituted during Sunday's Carabao Cup final.

Kepa, who twice required treatment in extra-time at Wembley, waved away a substitution before Manchester City won the shootout and lifted the trophy.

Kepa and Blues manager Maurizio Sarri insisted it was a misunderstanding, but the club announced the 24-year-old would be fined one week's wages, which would be donated to the Chelsea Foundation.

Maurizio Sarri reacts to Kepa Arrizabalaga refusing to come off
Maurizio Sarri reacts to Kepa Arrizabalaga staying on the pitch (Nick Potts/PA)

The Blues confirmed the news late on Monday night with a statement which included further reaction from Kepa and Sarri who both want to move on from the incident.

Kepa admitted he had handled the situation poorly and apologised after remaining on the field when Sarri was attempting to send on Willy Caballero as a replacement.

"I have thought a lot more about yesterday's events," said Kepa, who broke the transfer record for a goalkeeper when he joined the Blues in August.

"Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation.

"I wanted to take the time today to apologise fully and in person to the coach, to Willy, my team-mates and to the club. I have done this and now I want to offer the same apology to the fans.

"I will learn from this episode and will accept any punishment or discipline the club decides is appropriate."

Sarri said: "Kepa and I have spoken about the incident. It was a good conversation.

"There was a misunderstanding yesterday but he realises he made a big mistake in the way he reacted. He has apologised to me, his team-mates and the club.

"It is up to the club if they want to discipline him according to the club rules, but for me this matter is now closed.

"The team performance as a whole was extremely positive and it is a shame to see how this incident has overshadowed our efforts in what was a very competitive cup final. Everyone's focus is now on the next game and we must all now put this behind us."

Chelsea return to action in the Premier League on Wednesday night, when they host Tottenham.

Sarri will face the media at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon.


Click here for more stories about Kepa Arrizabalaga

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Share this article now:
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in action during the EFL Cup final against Manchester City on February 24, 2019
Read Next:
Chelsea hand fine to Kepa Arrizabalaga
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool28216164154969
2Manchester CityMan City28222475205568
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs28200855292660
4Arsenal28175660382256
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd28167555361955
6Chelsea27165647291853
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28117103535040
8Watford28117103940-140
9Everton28106123939036
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham28106123541-636
11Leicester CityLeicester28105133439-535
12Bournemouth28104143953-1434
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2887132634-831
14Crystal Palace2886143238-630
15Burnley2886143150-1930
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2776142941-1227
17Southampton2869133046-1627
18Cardiff CityCardiff2874172555-3025
19Fulham2845192663-3717
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2835201550-3514

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account