Horton gets Brown support

Hull is mulling over an official FA complain over their allegation Cesc Fabregas spat at assistant manager Brian Horton.

Tigers boss Phil Brown claims to have witnessed Fabregas - who categorically denies the accusations - spitting in Horton's direction as they went down the tunnel following the Gunners' controversial 2-1 victory in Tuesday night's FA Cup quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium.

Neither referee Mike Riley nor any of the other match officials mentioned such an incident in their report, and so the FA have written to Hull asking for their version of events.

The League Managers' Association confirmed they had been contacted by Horton, saying in a statement: "As the incidents fall firmly within the jurisdiction of the Football Association, who are making their investigations in the prescribed manner, neither the LMA nor Brian Horton will be making any further comment at this time".

Until any such official notification is received, the FA cannot take the matter any further.

Brown, meanwhile, remains unrepentant in the ferocity of his criticism of Fabregas.

"The pictures in the national papers verify the aggression he was showing towards players and staff after the game," said Brown.

"I could go on but I am not one for crying over spilt milk.

"I then witnessed him going down the tunnel and turning around and spitting at my assistant manager's feet.

"Whichever way you want to look at it, he addressed that spitting incident at my assistant manager, who has managed probably 1,200 games in his career. Disgraceful act.

"I am not going to report it, I am not going tittle-tattling to the FA - if they want to investigate that is their decision, and if Brian Horton wants to take it further he will get the full support of Hull City."

Even though Fabregas - who is on the verge of a comeback after three months out with a knee injury - was not in the Arsenal playing squad on Tuesday and only came onto the pitch to celebrate at full-time, the FA still maintain disciplinary jurisdiction.

However, because the alleged incident was not during normal game time, it would not fall under the 'fast-track' system, so any investigation would seek submissions from all parties involved, as well as any potential television evidence - although if a confrontation occurred in the tunnel, there is unlikely to be any footage.

Aside from the post-match row, Brown was upset about Gunners boss Arsene Wenger attempting to get Hull players booked for time-wasting.

The visitors - who took the lead through Nick Barmby in the 13th minute before Robin van Persie levelled in the second half - were denied a replay and another chance to secure a Wembley semi-final date with Chelsea when William Gallas headed in a winner, despite looking offside.

Brown felt Riley "succumbed to local pressure" in the second half after his players were jeered by the home crowd.

Those comments could land the Hull manager in hot water with the FA, after implications his team had been cheated.