Chelsea vs Tottenham: Kepa Arrizabalaga dropped by Maurizio Sarri after Carabao Cup final incident
The Spaniard was fined a week's wages on Monday and issued an apology for refusing to come off at Wembley
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped by Maurizio Sarri for Chelsea's game vs Tottenham at Stamford Bridge following his refusal to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final.
Willy Caballero starts in his place with with Kepa on the bench should he be required.
Kepa remained on the pitch in the closing moments of extra-time, before Manchester City triumphed on penalties, leaving the Italian outraged.
The Blues fined Kepa one week's wages on Monday with the former Athletic Bilbao star issuing an apology.
Kepa missed last week's Europa League win vs Malmo with a hamstring injury, but recovered in time to face City at Wembley Stadium.
After twice requiring treatment in the closing stages of extra-time on Sunday, Sarri had made his mind up, only for Kepa to public ignore the substitition with Caballero waiting.
Sarri says he made the call due to fitness concerns, coupled with the Argentine goalkeeper's history with former club City, where he saved three penalties in their 2016 League Cup shootout win over Liverpool.
The Blues boss did not entertain the possibility that Caballero's presence may have resulted in a different outcome.
Sarri insisted the situation had been dealt with on Tuesday: "After yesterday for me the situation is finished. He is a young player, he made a mistake, but stop.
"I am sure he understood he made a really big mistake. For me it's finished.
"I spoke with the goalkeeper, with Kepa, of course. Then we spoke altogether, because he said sorry to the technical staff, but it was not enough.
"Then he said sorry to his team-mates, to the club. I think he made a big mistake, but we need to be tolerant. We don't want to kill him. So there is a position from the club."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments