Kepa will not be punished over EFL Cup Final substitution, confirms Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri

Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri confirmed that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga will not be punished following the duo's extraordinary EFL Cup Final substitution standoff.

Arrizabalaga appeared to undermine Sarri by refusing to be substituted as Chelsea were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Manchester City in Sunday's Wembley cup final.

Chelsea boss Sarri wanted to replace the apparently injured goalkeeper with Willy Caballero in the closing minutes of extra time at Wembley, but the Spaniard stayed on the field despite his number being shown on the board.

Under-pressure Sarri reacted with fury as as the game ended goalless after 120 minutes.

Kepa redeemed himself slightly by saving a spot-kick from Leroy Sane but with Ederson denying Jorginho and David Luiz hitting a post, City claimed victory and the first leg of a potential quadruple.

But speaking after the game, Sarri played down the incident with Kepa as a 'misunderstanding' and said his goalkeeper would not face any disciplinary action.

"In that situation there was a big misunderstanding caused by the radio," he told Sky Sports. "I understood there was a problem and we needed a change.

"I didn't find out until the doctor arrived to the bench after a few minutes. It was a big misunderstanding.

"I understood the goalkeeper had cramp and for me he was unable to go to penalties but the problem was not cramp so he was able to go to penalties."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.