Chelsea goaltender fined one week and apologized for coach and teammates

Chelsea goalkeeper Kebba Erizpielaga was booked for a full week and apologized to the club for refusing to be a substitute in the final of the English League Cup against Manchester City last Sunday.

Keba refused to leave the stadium after being cared for and replaced by Willi Kibalero at Wembley Stadium.

"Despite the misunderstanding and after a long reflection, I think I made a big mistake in the way I handled the situation," said Erezpielaga, according to a statement from the Blue Club.

Maurizio Sari, director of Chelsea, said that he had spoken to Kiba about "a productive start".

Sari also explained that Eriziblaga's refusal to leave the field to replace the extra time was a "misunderstanding".

"He apologized to me, to his colleagues and to the club management, it's up to the club to punish or tolerate him according to the rules, but for me it's over."

"The team's performance was very positive, but unfortunately this position cast a negative light on our efforts in the final of the cup," said Sari.

Erizpielaga, bought by Chelsea at a record 71 million pounds, was thwarted by coach Sari to replace goalkeeper Capallero before Manchester City won the shootout. There were signs of anger on the Italian goalkeeper as he headed for the locker room before coming back quickly.

"I wanted to have enough time today to make appropriate personal apologies to the coach, Willie, my teammates and the club management," said Chelsea goalkeeper, who said played for Atletico Bilbao before moving to the Blue Club.

"I have done this and now I want to excuse myself to the fans, I will learn from this position and I will accept any punishment or regular action from the club."

Chelsea announced the donation of Keba's fine to the Chelsea Foundation.