Cesc Fabregas maintains his conscience is clear despite being 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.

Fabregas was not playing against Hull because of a knee injury, but insists his actions in celebrating on the pitch after the final whistle were not out of order.

Fabregas said: "If I am suspended for that, my heart and my mind will be relaxed because I have not done anything wrong. Eight players were on the pitch as well, so then everyone should be suspended."

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.

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.

Given the Gunners potential involvement in the Champions League final - they trail Manchester United just 1-0 after Wednesday night's semi-final, first leg - any hearing could well not be scheduled until the end of the season.

However, a potential ban could also be carried over into the next campaign. None of the match officials mentioned anything about the spitting allegation in their report to Soho Square.

However, Horton had contacted the League Managers Association to lodge a complaint before Hull were asked by the FA to submit their observations.

April 2010 News