Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has been fined a week’s wages following an incident during the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
The Spain international appeared to go down with cramp in the closing stages of extra time at Wembley, but he repeatedly waved away manager Maurizio Sarri’s attempts to bring on reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero ahead of the penalty shootout.
Sarri was left fuming by Arrizbalaga’s refusal to come off and even stormed down the tunnel before returning to the dugout for the final seconds of the game.
ALSO READ: ‘Chelsea should sack £71m Arrizabalaga’
Speaking after the penalty shootout loss both Sarri and Arrizbalaga claimed it had been a misunderstanding, but following talks on Monday the club has fined the goalkeeper a week’s wages.
“I have thought a lot more about yesterday’s events. Although there was a misunderstanding, on reflection I made a big mistake with how I handled the situation,” Kepa said.
“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 added: “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.
ALSO READ:Â Sarri plays down Arrizabalaga row as misunderstanding
“Everyone’s focus is now on the next game and we must all now put this behind us.”
There have been calls for Arrizbalaga to be dropped but he is expected to start Wednesday’s Premier League game against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Wednesday, 27 February