Source: SKY_Sports
Cesc denies spitting claim
Cesc Fabregas has insisted that he did not spit at anybody following Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Hull City.[LNB] The Gunners came from behind to win 2-1 and set up a semi-final against Chelsea but the post-match talk was dominated by an accusation from Tigers boss Phil Brown.[LNB]Brown alleged that Fabregas, who was injured and not playing, had spat at assistant boss Brian Horton in the Emirates Stadium tunnel moments after the final whistle.[LNB]Arsene Wenger later stressed that he knew nothing about the incident and Fabregas has now pleaded his innocence.[LNB]Categorically deny"I categorically deny that I spat at anybody after the match," he said in a statement on the club's official website.[LNB]"I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?[LNB]"I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players."[LNB]Brown later insisted Horton will receive the club's 100 per cent backing if he decides to take the matter further.[LNB]"Brian will receive the full support of the people of Hull, that includes my chairman, who we had a long conversation with this morning," he said.[LNB]"We'll go down the right channels and support Brian Horton."[LNB]Speaking about his frosty relationship with Wenger, Brown added: "It just shows how we've got up the noses of the Arsenal hierarchy.[LNB]"He wouldn't shake my hand when we beat them fairly 2-1 at the Emirates, he wouldn't shake my hand when they beat us, fairly, 3-1 at the KC Stadium."[LNB]ReportThe Football Association is aware of the allegations but will await referee Mike Riley's report and any possible formal complaint from the Tigers' coaching staff.[LNB]Even though Fabregas, who is on the verge of a comeback from three months out with a knee injury, was not in the Arsenal playing squad, the FA still maintains disciplinary jurisdiction.[LNB]However, because the alleged incident was not an on-field matter, it would not fall under the 'fast-track' system and so any investigation would seek submissions from all parties involved, as well as any potential television evidence.[LNB]
