THE Football Association has confirmed that Gillingham player-manager Andy Hessenthaler has been given an extension to explain allegations that he gestured towards Norwich fans at the end of the club's 1-0 win at Priestfield on February 25.

The original deadline was Thursday, March 13, but an FA spokesman said that he had until this weekend to reply. He gave no reason for the extension.

Hessenthaler has already vowed to fight any disrepute charge. He described the allegation as “complete nonsense” after being reported to the match referee Clive Penton by a police officer and a steward.