Cesc and Brown charged

Gunners skipper and Tigers boss charged with improper conduct

Last updated: 26th April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cesc and Brown charged

Fabregas: Charged

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Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and Hull City manager Phil Brown have both been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association.

The charges come as a result of the duo's behaviour during Arsenal's 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Hull at Emirates Stadium in mid-March.

Gunners midfielder Fabregas was accused of spitting at Tigers assistant manager Brian Horton in the aftermath of the match.

Hull boss Brown maintained he saw Fabregas spit towards Horton in the tunnel at the end of the match.

Fabregas denied any wrongdoing in the incident but, after examining video evidence and statements from Hull, the FA has charged the Spain international, on two counts, and Brown.

A statement on the FA's official website said: "Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Hull City manager Phil Brown have both been charged with improper conduct.

Behaviour

"The charges relate to matters arising from the FA Cup match between Arsenal and Hull at the Emirates Stadium on 17th March.

"Fabregas faces two charges of improper conduct relating to his conduct on the pitch following the game.

"One charge concerns his behaviour in coming onto 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."

Meanwhile, Brown's charge includes bringing the game into disrepute relating to comments made regarding referee Mike Riley following the fixture.

The statement added: "Brown is charged with improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute in relation to media comments made after the game concerning referee Mike Riley."

The pair have until 12th May to respond to the charges.

Defence

Hull chairman Paul Duffen was not surprised by the charges and is backing his staff over the claims.

"I have always welcomed the Football Association's investigation into events at the Emirates Stadium following the final whistle of our FA Cup quarter-final," said Duffen.

"It is no surprise to me that the FA have decided to bring the charges that they have announced this afternoon as I have always been confident in Phil Brown's and Brian Horton's accounts of events on that day.

"I will not comment further at this time as this matter is the subject of a disciplinary charge, but I have always known that Phil and Brian tell the truth."

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Comments (28)

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Tony Gleeson (Arsenal fan) says...

I'm curious about all these comments about Arsenal's "woeful" disciplinary record. Would you like to provide any evidence comparing Arsenal's record against all the other teams which proves it is worse? Or are you just basing it on tabloid headlines? Never mind, I already know the answer.

Posted 22:26 24th April 2009

Kev Lahiff says...

I remember, in his last season, Thierry Henry coming onto the pitch on several occasions after the final whistle during the time he was injured but there was never the slightest mention of this by anyone. I think Cesc has taken this as his precedent, but for the FA to make an issue of it now - without any clear legislation in existence to guide the players - is irresponsible and cannot result in punishment since no rule has been broken. Or am I wrong on that?

Posted 22:10 24th April 2009

Kolossal T (Arsenal fan) says...

The FA have once again done themselves a disservice by making a statement which is as clear as mud, thus smearing Cesc Fabregas, who, if you read between the lines, has clearly done nothing wrong other than going onto the pitch. Is there even a rule against this? And as for spitting, it's like Justin Watson said: if the FA had any evidence of this it would have come to light before now. Arsene Wenger would have kept his lips sealed after the announcement, and Cesc would never have denied it so openly in the first place. There wouldn't have been such vociferous denial of the charge if Phil Brown (a man with a track record) hadn't been talking out of where the sun don't shine all along (as usual). So why do the FA have to make such a song and dance about it? Because they love the attention.

Posted 22:06 24th April 2009

Tim Daniels (Derby County fan) says...

Phil Brown is very interested in Phil Brown.When he was manager at Derby he was awful.As for Arsenal well their disciplinary record speaks for itself and yet again it was an incident that Wenger "didnt see".I would guess that Fabregas probably did spit and that Brown has seen it as another opportunity to get himself in the papers.I have no time for either Fabregas nor Brown.

Posted 20:05 24th April 2009

Tom Michaels (Hull City fan) says...

It's about time the FA got it sorted, we are so sick of the media bringing this up at every available opportunity. We as a club are concentrating on staying up, and until today, mentioned nothing about the spitting incident officially. Fabregas shouldn't have been on the pitch end of, regardless of whether he is club captain or not. Phil brown has been charged already for improper conduct this season, he is a passionate man make no mistake, but I think he has the right to criticise the referee if he made the wrong decision. Gallas WAS offside, there is no dispute about it. Referee got it wrong, cost us a replay at least. How can we 'respect the ref' if he makes decisions like that? People then call us sore losers when we kick off? We are used to some decisions going against us, as an underdog you almost expect it, but the ones that matter should be judged fairly. As for phil's ego, well perhaps the media has gone to his head, but that is certainly not what is costing us this season. Losing a striker and not signing a decent one is what cost us valuable points. Just hope Manucho and Cousin have it in them to pull us through.

Posted 19:58 24th April 2009

Ed Hollyman (Sunderland fan) says...

I think I am going against the trend but I WAS a Phil Brown fan. I think the job he has done at hull is fantastic and their start to the season had to be admired BUT I ahave now very much changed my mind. His Hull side against us (Sunderland) last week was a disgrace. There are sides who go out to be physical but Browns side must have clearly been briefed to get the player if you cant get the ball. In fact it may have get the player and to hell with the ball. With a better referee they could well have been down to 9 men. Role on 2009 - 2010 with out them. Hopefully we wont still be stuck with them in the Championship! LOL

Posted 19:42 24th April 2009

S T (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

The FA are weak, esp against the bigger clubs, and have a proven record of being so. Nothing will come of this.

Posted 19:17 24th April 2009

Richard Kelly (Manchester United fan) says...

Phil Brown is a very strange man. He reminds me of Iain Dowie a couple of years ago when Crystal Palace were in the prem. The man was never off skysports and the same can be said of Brown. Obviously exposure for a new club like Hull is important but Brown seems to think hes a film star. I think he fancies himself as a bit of a Jose Mourinho, but simply does not have the level of intelligence to fulfill that role! I think the general consesus amongst football fans is that the man is a clown and for that reason a lot of neutrals want Hull to go down. They say all publicity is good, but I think Brown is a clear exeption to this rule! Good riddance I say

Posted 18:15 24th April 2009

Daniyal Mirza (Liverpool fan) says...

I dont know how the FA can come up to a conclusion like this because if Brown was to be charged it should have been way before. and if they did have TV evidence then i dont get what took them 5 weeks to come to this conclusion. And to Aman Patel, i can only laugh at your comment that every one is apparently against manutd when its quite clearly the other way round

Posted 18:11 24th April 2009

Mitchell Modja (arsenal fan) says...

Is Fabregas the first player who is not playing on even on the sub bench to go onto the field after the match? So why is FA charging him for that? Or is it because he is not an English player or because he is an Arsenal player? Moreso, I can't understand why Hull manager kept changing his story. FA should charge him if he was found to be lying. And if Fabregas is also found to have spat, he should also be punish.

Posted 17:58 24th April 2009

Craig Evans (Wycombe Wanderers fan) says...

I'm glad the authorities have finally picked up on Arsenal's woeful disciplinary history. As a neutral I've seen Arsenal's behaviour get progressively worse over the years and I'm glad somebody has finally had the cojones to do something about it. When the ball is in play, Arsenal are a joy to watch. But some of the players and staff are far too big-headed and need to be kept in check rather than be constantly let off the hook for poor sporting behaviour. Congratulations to the FA!

Posted 17:55 24th April 2009

Scott Mcclymont (Manchester United fan) says...

Why are united fans getting sucked into this...what happened in the past against arsenal is exactly that, in the past...this is perma-tan brown's problem not Man united's !

Posted 17:26 24th April 2009

Chris Mooney (Sunderland fan) says...

I have little respect for Phil Brown. He has a history of making a lot of sensationalist accusations against players and staff, that are generally pretty difficult to prove or disprove. Earlier in the year, he claimed Wenger didn¿t shake his hand. Until video evidence proved that to be wrong. The guy says things on purpose, to try and get back at people he dislikes. This is about he 3rd or 4th time, I¿ve heard him make alleged claims against rivals. I really doubt there is much in it. Just a bitter manager, with a track record for this sort of thing

Posted 17:05 24th April 2009

James Skirving says...

Notice how there are no Hull Fans on here backing there manager and team. Their prob all watching Rugby League! I think Hulls luck may have finally run out! Relegation Beckons!

Posted 16:55 24th April 2009

Dan Connelly (Arsenal fan) says...

Just read the comments from the Hull chairman, hasnt it been proved that Phil Brown lied, he said Wenger didnt shake his hand in the 2 league meetings when video evidence shows them shaking hands at Hulls ground and photgraphic evidence of the handshake at the Emirates league game. Brown changed his story from saying his assistant manager told him of the spit then he saw it then many players saw it then finally only a member of staff has given evidence, all very strange and I bet Hull wish they hadnt bothered with this now given their relegation battle.

Posted 16:21 24th April 2009

Kaz The gooner (Arsenal fan) says...

Peter Berry needs to read the whole article before making comments: "One charge concerns his behaviour in coming onto 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." The spitting incident is still alleged-meaning they still don't have conclusive evidence that Cesc spat. Of course Wenger would back his captain, as did Benitez when Gerrard was in trouble. Just because Gerrard was let off, doesn't mean he didn't assault that guy. I have nothing against Gerrard but my point is, you are only judged on what evidence is available. Phil Brown is always have a pop at the opposing manager when he loses. Noone likes losing, but there are better ways to deal with it Phil!

Posted 16:14 24th April 2009

Mario Dimfwana (Newcastle United fan) says...

I think the Fabregas' saga was a bit out of control! when we look at the comments made by Hull manager after the game you can see that the man was after something!!! there was not credibility about what he was saying, sorry I think he should have leave the matter between the two main persons concerned. the question is did he realy see what happened!!! I doubt! anyway he should respect himself as a manager! luck of class!

Posted 16:10 24th April 2009

Rebecca Phelps says...

Despite being told that no cameras picked up anything on the spitting incident, we are meant to believe that suddenly something has turned up? Why has nobody seen this evidence? Sounds a bit suspect to me.

Posted 16:09 24th April 2009

Mario Dimfwana (Newcastle United fan) says...

I think the Fabregas' saga was a bit out of control! when we look at the comments made by Hull manager after the game you can see that the man was after something!!! there was not credibility about what he was saying, sorry I think he should have leave the matter between the two main persons concerned. the question is did he realy see what happened!!! I doubt! anyway he should respect himself as a manager! luck of class!

Posted 16:07 24th April 2009

Leon Welsh (Arsenal fan) says...

I'll be glad when Phil Brown is plying his trade in the chamionship next season. It's been great watching this egotist sink from Manager to Chump of the Month as the season has progressed.

Posted 15:51 24th April 2009
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