EPL: Chelsea FC Punish Kepa

Chelsea have fined goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga one week’s wages, after his bust-up with Maurizio Sarri during the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Sky Sports reports.

The two men held talks on Monday over the keeper’s public display of defiance towards the end of extra-time of the match, which the Blues lost to Manchester City on penalties.

Both men brushed it off as a misunderstanding at full-time, but Arrizabalaga has personally apologised to Sarri, his team-mates and the club in full acknowledgement he made “a big mistake”.

His wages will go to charity, and he said: “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.

“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.”