Clarets vow to back May

Clarets skipper Sinclair insists he was not aware of any such comments in the Turf Moor tunnel, where referee Richard Beeby sparked controversy by red-carding the Lions striker for racial abuse.

Millwall boss Colin Lee later vowed to appeal against the allegation, adding that he considered quitting the game in disgust at Beeby's decision.

And Clarets offiicials have also stepped in to offer their full support to May in any appeal to the footballing authorities.

Manager Steve Cotterill said: "There has been a little talk about the half time incident, which will probably have to go into reports.

"Our players are not involved and first of all I think we need to clarify that on the back of the recent incident against Leeds.

"But Frank said he hasn't heard anything, so all credit to him for that. If Millwall appeal against it, that's fine and if Frank needs to put together a letter for their case he will."

Lee appeared distraught as he defended May after the Clarets came from a goal down to win a bizarre Championship game that saw four players sent off and six more booked.

He said: "We have a diabolical situation where the referee sent Ben off for supposedly racially abusing Frank Sinclair. We categorically deny that, Frank denies it, Steve (Cotterill) denies it and so does every single person in the tunnel.

"The fourth official said he didn't hear it and when I asked them, the two linesmen both shook their head so it appears that of about 30 people in the tunnel, there was one person who supposedly heard my player abuse Frank, which is incorrect.

"We are talking about a lad whose best friend is a black player and he is in bits right now, but we will be taking it further because we have witnesses.

"The referee has not got one witness, so I know we are right.

"Ben does say he said something to Frank that had nothing to do with racism and Frank has said he is prepared to put in a letter (in support)."