Arsenal back up Fabregas

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The Gunners were asked by the Football Association to provide their observations after receiving submissions from Hull.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels the case should be dropped, but said: "I always said we are always very open to co-operate with any investigation. I personally looked at the reports, at the video evidence and there is nothing in there against Cesc."

In accordance with the governing body's disciplinary procedures, Fabregas has been given until May 12 to respond to the charges, with the matter then likely to be decided by an independent commission who will consider all of the evidence before deciding what, if any, punishment is necessary.

Hull manager Phil Brown brought the alleged incident to light immediately after his side's defeat on March 17, but has also been charged by the FA following his outburst at referee Mike Riley.

Wenger continued: "I do not know if we will appeal - I will see what we can do about that. At the start, I am not a great fan of appealing because I said we are very open to co-operate and now I don't think we should stop that.

"I am very positive that there was enough evidence in what I have seen that the case should have been dropped."

Chairman Peter Hill-Wood concurred, telling the Daily Sport: "We have a video of the tunnel which we gave to the FA.

"I didn't see it myself, but Arsene has and so has (chief executive) Ivan Gazidis and they both said that the whole thing was innocuous. I think the whole thing is ridiculous."

Given the Gunners potential involvement in the Champions League final, the hearing could well not be scheduled until the end of the season. However, any ban could also be carried over into the next campaign.