Former Spurs hero and Stoke striker attacked by fans

Stoke have confirmed striker Mamady Sidibe is now back at the club receiving treatment after being attacked by fans while representing Mali at the weekend although the severity of his injuries remain unclear.

Sidibe and international team-mate Fredi Kanoute were both caught up in crowd disturbances as Mali secured qualification for next year's African Nations Cup with a 2-0 win against Togo in Lome.

Angry home supporters invaded the pitch and targeted several players - including Sidibe and former Tottenham and West Ham star Kanoute - after the final whistle at the Kegue Stadium.

The 27-year-old reported back for training at the Britannia Stadium on Monday but the exact details of the arm injury he sustained are not yet known.

"Although we do not yet have full information on what took place in Togo, everyone will agree that no-one wants to see this type of thing happening," said City's chief executive Tony Scholes.

"Obviously our concerns are with Mama and the hope that the injury is not too serious. Our responsibility however is to protect our club and its players, and we will be making representations to the appropriate authorities."

Sidibe has yet to score for Stoke - who play host to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend - this season but has featured heavily under manager Tony Pulis.

Mali coach Jean-Francois Jodar told L'Equipe: "Mamadi Sidibe took a blow, doubtless with a weapon, which caused bruising to his arm. Frederic Kanoute was hit with a belt.

"It was like a battlefield. There was blood everywhere in the dressing room."