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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Kepa refuses to be substituted by Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri in extraordinary EFL Cup Final standoff

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had a remarkable mid-game row with manager Maurizio Sarri, after refusing to be substituted in extra time of the Carabao Cup final.

With the clash with Manchester City level at 0-0 and the game headed for penalties, Kepa required treatment after going down injured.

That prompted Sarri to ready substitute goalkeeper Willy Caballero, who had saved three penalties in the 2016 EFL Cup final shootout for Manchester City against Liverpool.

However, when the change came to be made, Kepa refused to make way, prompting an incredible stand off.

Sarri was furious on the touchline, and at one point stormed off the pitch and made for the tunnel, before returning to the touchline.

(Getty Images)

Caballero meanwhile was left in limbo, stood ready to come on next to the fourth official, before reluctantly returning to the bench.

Kepa became the world's most expensive goalkeeper when signed by Sarri last summer for £71million.

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