Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is ready to fight any charge over his clash with Hull City No2 Brian Horton this week. Cesc will be hauled before an FA inquiry after Hull officially accused him of spitting.

But he told The Sun: "I've absolutely nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of."

Midfielder Fabregas stands accused of spitting at Hull assistant manager Horton at the end of the Gunners' explosive 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory on Tuesday.

The Spaniard also faces trial by video after a YouTube clip appeared to show him gobbing on Michael Ballack four years ago.

But Fabregas said: "The simple fact is I did not spit at the assistant manager of Hull City."

Tigers boss Phil Brown, Horton and Hull chairman Paul Duffen held an emergency summit yesterday morning. Duffen said: "Brian gets our full support in any action he wants to pursue."

FA chiefs have written to both clubs, asking for observations and given them seven days to reply.

Fab's dad, Francesc, leapt to his son's defence, saying: He wouldn't think of spitting at someone.

"I can't believe anyone is saying such a thing."