GILLINGHAM are demanding an explanation from long-term injury casualty Mamady Sidibe after the striker defied club instructions and played for Mali in Sunday’s African Nations Cup qualifier against the Seychelles.

The striker celebrated his first cap by scoring in Mali’s 3-0 win but that will cut no ice with player-manager Andy Hessenthaler who only released him on the understanding he would not play and continue physiotherapy.

Sidibe last played for Gillingham six weeks ago in the 1-1 draw against Preston. Since then he has been receiving treatment after damaging knee ligaments.

Unless Sidibe can offer a satisfactory explanation Gillingham could seriously re-consider future requests from Mali for his release for friendlies and squad get-togethers.