(CNN) — Chelsea has fined Kepa Arrizabalaga a week's wages following his refusal to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final.
Both the club's $92.8 million record signing and manager Maurizio Sarri have played down the "misunderstanding" over the Spaniard's protracted substitution that ended with Sarri tearing off his club jacket and threatening to walk down the tunnel after his goalkeeper refused to leave the field of play.
The attempted replacement, which left second-choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero motionless on the touchline in full kit, came as a result of Kepa's cramp, which had already seen him go down with the injury twice in extra time.
In a statement on the club's official website, Kepa said: "I was very happy to play in my first cup final for Chelsea yesterday and very proud of the team performance.
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 apologize fully and in person to the coach, to Willy [Caballero], my teammates 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."
Chelsea said Kepa's fine would be donated to the Chelsea Foundation.
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