Hull City are set to have their alleged spitting case against Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas thrown out.

The Daily Mail says the Tigers face the humiliating prospect of having their case rejected by the FA when the Arsenal midfielder will officially deny spitting at City No 2 Brian Horton.

Hull manager Phil Brown claimed in post-match interviews the incident allegedly took place in the Emirates tunnel but it's reported Fabregas, who was given seven days to explain his version of events after a formal complaint, will deny spitting in that area after Arsenal's stormy FA Cup quarter-final 2-1 win.

Fabregas, who did not play in the game last month, 'categorically' denied any spitting straight after the claims although he did march on to the pitch following the win and appeared to remonstrate with several members of Hull's staff.