Arsenal back Fabregas

Arsenal remain confident Cesc Fabregas has no case to answer after their captain was charged with two counts of improper conduct following allegations he spat at Hull assistant boss Brian Horton after the FA Cup tie at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were asked by the Football Association to provide their observations after receiving submissions from Hull.

In accordance with the governing body’s disciplinary procedures, Fabregas has been given until May 12 to respond, with the matter then likely to be decided by an independent commission who will consider all of the evidence before deciding what, if any, punishment is necessary.

Hull manager Phil Brown brought the alleged incident to light immediately after his side’s defeat on March 17, but has also been charged by the FA following his outburst at referee Mike Riley.

A statement from the FA read: “Cesc Fabregas and Phil Brown have both been charged with improper conduct.

“The charges relate to matters arising from the FA Cup match between Arsenal and Hull at the Emirates Stadium on 17 March.

“Fabregas faces two charges of improper conduct relating to his conduct on the pitch following the game.