Kepa Arrizabalaga: John Terry on what Maurizio Sarri should've done with Chelsea goalkeeper
The Spanish international's number was shown on the fourth official's board but the 24-year-old refused to come off
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.John Terry believes Maurizio Sarri should've gone on to the pitch and forced Kepa Arrizabalaga to come off after the Chelsea goalkeeper refused to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
The Spanish international's number was shown on the fourth official's board, with Willy Caballero primed to come on in his place, late in extra-time of the Wembley clash.
But the goalkeeper, who had already required treatment for an apparent bout of cramp, waved the substitution away, with Sarri livid.
The 24-year-old went on to save Leroy Sane's penalty in the shootout, but City won 4-3 as Jorginho had his effort saved and David Luiz hit a post before Raheem Sterling scored the decisive spot kick.
Terry, watching on from a television studio, said what Kepa did showed a lack of respect.
“Once your number goes up you have to come off and show a bit of respect," he said on Sky Sports. “Deal with that after. That’s the last thing the players want.
"It leaves Sarri in a tough place - I'm surprised he didn't force him to come off. It's a cloud over a really good Chelsea performance especially with what's happened of late, as the results and performances haven't been good enough. It's disappointing - let's see what happens now.
"If I was in there [dressing room] I'd be expecting the manager to come in and deal with it instantly."
Kepa afterwards clarified in an interview and on social media his view of the incident.
"It was misunderstood. In no moment was it my intention to disobey, or anything like that, with the boss," said Kepa, who signed from Athletic Bilbao last summer in a world record fee for a goalkeeper of £71.6million.
"He thought I couldn't continue, and - fundamentally - I was trying to say that physically I was fine."
The situation was clarified only after the medics who had been treating Kepa returned to the dugout.
However, the intervening period had seen Sarri angrily charge down the tunnel.
"Kepa was right, but wrong in the way he conducted himself," Sarri said.
"I was really angry. I want to talk with him because he needs to understand that we can get in trouble, especially with you (the media)."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments