Wenger: Video will clear Cesc

The charges follows Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-fi nal win at the Emirates on March 17, which led to both spectator Fabregas – alleged by Hull to have spat at assistant Brian Horton – and Tigers boss Phil Brown in the dock.

An FA statement said: “Fabregas faces two charges of improper conduct relating to his conduct on the pitch following the game.

“One charge concerns his behaviour in coming on to the pitch after the final whistle, the second charge relates to an alleged spitting incident. The charges are based on submissions from Hull City and video evidence. He has until 12 May to respond.”

Fabregas, who strenuously denied the spitting allegation on the night, will have his fate decided by an independent commission. He could face a four-match ban and/or a fine. Arsenal have submitted their evidence and a strong denial to the FA, and Wenger said: “I’m very positive, having seen

the evidence.

“I looked at the reports, I looked at the video evidence, and there is nothing in there really against Cesc.”

Wenger, asked if there was anything in Fabregas’s behaviour which troubled him, added: “No, not anything. He will not be banned.”

And Gunners boss Wenger believes Fabregas, not playing because of injury that night, would not have faced sanction if he had not been wearing a hoodie.

Wenger said: “I believe he has basically been charged for improper conduct for going on the pitch. Personally I don’t really understand. Nobody told me a player cannot go on to the pitch after the game.

“Certainly if he had been wearing a black tie he would not have been charged, that is for sure. What is correct, what is incorrect? I don’t know.

“I believe he was dressed in a proper way. There’s a famous expression, do not judge people by the way they dress. So why should we suddenly do it? Why should someone 21 years old not be able to dress in a relaxed way?

“I’ll show you the tape, you watch the tape, you will be surprised he is charged. We are open, we have nothing to hide on that. The FA should show it to you. I said after the game we are open to any investigation.

“The FA – such a big thing has been made of that story that they go further. I know how it works at the FA, I’ve known them for long enough.”

But Wenger, who said he would not impose a dress code on his players, will now stop his non-playing performers from going on to the pitch after matches. Hull chairman Paul Duffen has backed the FA’s decision to charge Fabregas and insists he knew all along that his own management team were telling the truth.

Some questioned the allegations, but Duffen said: “I’ve always welcomed the FA’s investigation into events at the Emirates Stadium following the fi nal whistle of our quarter-final. It is no surprise to me that the FA have decided to bring the charges. I’ve always been confident of Phil Brown and Brian Horton’s accounts of that day. I’ve always known Phil and Brian tell the truth.”

Meanwhile, injuries remain the main problem for Wenger, with striker Robin van Persie, out of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final fi rst leg at Manchester United due to a groin problem, now doubtful for the home tie on May 5.

Midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who has not played since January 2008 because of a hamstring tendon, is out for the rest of the season. Defenders William Gallas and Gael Clichy will both miss tomorrow’s home match against Middlesbrough, but centre-back Johan Djourou could return, along with keeper Manuel Almunia and striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Arsenal are six points behind third-placed Chelsea and Wenger has targeted the Blues. He said: “We have to focus on finishing third because then you are guaranteed a place in the Champions League – fourth and it’s an open draw. It’s a massive difference."