What looked to everyone at London’s Wembley Stadium and to millions more watching from afar to be a stunning act of insubordination was later explained to be a simple “misunderstanding.” At least, that’s how goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Manager Maurizio Sarri of English Premier League soccer club Chelsea tried to downplay an episode in which the former refused to come off the field for a substitute during Sunday’s League Cup final against Manchester City.
An extra-time session in the 0-0 match was winding down when Sarri called for Arrizabalaga, who had appeared to be struggling with cramps, to be replaced by backup goalkeeper Willy Caballero.