Kepa apologises, fined a week’s wage for refusing to be substituted

Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has apologised for refusing to be substituted during their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday.

The Blues lost the final 4-3 on penalties after 120 minutes of goalless play.

“Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection, I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation,” the Spaniard said in a Chelsea statement.

“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.”

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24-year-old Kepa, who refused to be replaced by Willy Caballero towards the end of extra time, was also fined a week’s wage.

The club will donate the fine to the Chelsea Foundation.

Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, who reacted angrily when Kepa refused to leave the field towards the end of extra time, also said the incident had been “a misunderstanding.”

“Kepa 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 Italian gaffer added.

Chelsea signed Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao for a club record £71m in August 2018.

 

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