Fabregas faces questions over Ballack 'spit' video
The incident involved Fabregas and Ballack is on youTube
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Thursday, 19, Mar 2009 10:15
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas could face some awkward questions over his alleged conduct after the Hull City match on Monday after evidence emerged of a previous 'spitting' incident.
The Spanish international was accused by Tigers manager Phil Brown of spitting at his assistant manager Brian Horton in the tunnel after the Gunners' controversial 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium on Monday.
And despite protesting his innocence by releasing an official statement to "categorically deny" the accusations, a viral video has emerged on the internet of Fabregas apparently spitting on German midfielder Michael Ballack in 2005.
During a Champions League fixture at Highbury, a then 17-year-old Fabregas - who came on as a second half substitute in the 1-0 win - clashed with the future Chelsea player on the halfway line before apparently leaning over him and spitting in his face.
The young Gunner was booked as a result.
Arsenal went on to lose the two-legged knockout tie 3-2 on aggregate, despite their victory on the night in what was a bad-tempered clash involving seven bookings.
In a statement following Monday evening's allegations, Fabregas said: "I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing?
"I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well.
"But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players."
Watch the video clip in full below: