Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has defiantly protested his innocence against claims of spitting, despite internet footage of a 2005 incident with Michael Ballack.
In the above clip, Fabregas clashes with Ballack – then with Bayern Munich – during a Champions League tie at Highbury. At close range, Fabregas confronts Ballack, who then appears to wipe something away from his face.
This YouTube video was quickly circulated in the aftermath of Tuesday’s controversial FA Cup clash at the Emirates, when Fabregas was accused of spitting at Brian Horton, Hull’s assistant manager.
But Fabregas said: “I’ve absolutely nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. The simple fact is I did not spit at the assistant manager of Hull City.”
Speaking about the Ballack clip, Fabregas said: “I remember the incident clearly. It was four years ago and I leant over and shouted at him. I did not spit at him.”
Fabregas will now have to answer to the FA after Horton contacted the League Managers’ Association to file an official complaint.
He said: “I will leave it in the FA’s hands for the time being — I will wait to see what they say.”
Fabregas added that he was baffled by the way the whole drama has played out: “It was not until half an hour after the game that I heard what Hull were saying about me and it is not something that is easy to accept.
“I understand Hull are angry and frustrated about going out of the FA Cup.
“But I don’t know why they are saying these things about me because it did not happen. That is the truth.
“I don’t even know who the assistant manager of Hull is or what he looks like.
“I am told Hull will be making an official complaint to the FA about me.
“Well, I am perfectly relaxed about that. I have nothing to hide. Not one drop of spit left my mouth. I am certain of that.” (telegraph)
In the above clip, Fabregas clashes with Ballack – then with Bayern Munich – during a Champions League tie at Highbury. At close range, Fabregas confronts Ballack, who then appears to wipe something away from his face.
This YouTube video was quickly circulated in the aftermath of Tuesday’s controversial FA Cup clash at the Emirates, when Fabregas was accused of spitting at Brian Horton, Hull’s assistant manager.
But Fabregas said: “I’ve absolutely nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. The simple fact is I did not spit at the assistant manager of Hull City.”
Speaking about the Ballack clip, Fabregas said: “I remember the incident clearly. It was four years ago and I leant over and shouted at him. I did not spit at him.”
Fabregas will now have to answer to the FA after Horton contacted the League Managers’ Association to file an official complaint.
He said: “I will leave it in the FA’s hands for the time being — I will wait to see what they say.”
Fabregas added that he was baffled by the way the whole drama has played out: “It was not until half an hour after the game that I heard what Hull were saying about me and it is not something that is easy to accept.
“I understand Hull are angry and frustrated about going out of the FA Cup.
“But I don’t know why they are saying these things about me because it did not happen. That is the truth.
“I don’t even know who the assistant manager of Hull is or what he looks like.
“I am told Hull will be making an official complaint to the FA about me.
“Well, I am perfectly relaxed about that. I have nothing to hide. Not one drop of spit left my mouth. I am certain of that.” (telegraph)
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