BURNLEY bosses insist that a new players tunnel is "on the wish list" following recent controversies.

However erecting a second tunnel, ideally so that the Clarets can run out alongside their own supporters between the James Hargreaves and David Fishwick (Cricket Field) stands, is unlikely to happen in the immediate future due to the cost implications.

The tunnel has become the focus of attention twice in recent weeks, first when players from both sides clashed after the game against Leeds United, which resulted in Micah Hyde being hit with an FA charge of violent conduct that the player has since denied.

Then, last Tuesday, Millwall striker Ben May was sent off at half time after allegedly making racist comments towards Clarets skipper Frank Sinclair as the two sides headed for the dressing rooms.

May denies the charge and has since revealed he is considering suing referee Richard Beeby for defamation.

However, the problem of both sets of players coming together in such a confined space has clearly become a thorny issue along with the far from ideal scenario of Burnley players being forced to run the gauntlet as they enter and leave the pitch in front of visiting fans.

Chief executive Dave Edmundson revealed: "We have looked at the tunnel and the possibility of Burnley players coming out down the side of the (Cricket Field) stand.

"The first thing is that it would cost a lot of money. It is a very steep incline so immediately there is a health and safety issue.

"But the other thing is, do we have to really go to that expense because footballers cannot control themselves?

"It would be not addressing the source. There is an argument that no incident even took place in the tunnel against Millwall, but at the end of the day it has existed for over 30 years with very few problems.

"It is on the wish list, but right now there are other, more pressing matters so it is not at the very top of our priorities."

Burnley manager Steve Cotterill is known to favour having home supporters, rather than visiting fans, at that end of Turf Moor.

However, Edmundson added: "Doing that, there is an increased cost in stewarding, but more importantly the police insist that we cannot have fans mingling at the end of the game, which could happen if they were both in same stand."

Burnley's next home game is the Championship clash with Leicester City at Turf Moor on Saturday, November 19.