BRITAIN'S most famous recluse was refused entry to a nightclub - because he was wearing a football shirt.

The billionaire owner of Newcastle United, Mike Ashley, headed for glam nightspot Blu Bambu in Newcastle's infamous Bigg Market to celebrate his team's 2-0 win against Barnsley in the Carling Cup.

But the bar has a strict dress code that states no football strips allowed and he was told he couldn't come in.

Stunned Mike, the 25th richest man in Britain, along with Magpie chairman Chris Mort started to explain who they were when assistant manager of Blu Bambu, Mark Johnson, recognised the pair and said he would make an exception.

And the wealthy duo were so pleased with the match result and the fans' support that they bought everyone a drink and gave the bar staff a £500 tip.

Blu Bambu is one of the most popular nightclubs in Newcastle, and is slap bang in the middle of the infamous Bigg Market drinking strip.

Today, Mark Jones chairman of Ultimate Leisure, which owns Blu Bambu, said: "Mike was wearing his black and white shirt for the Carling Cup match and came here after the game with Chris Mort and a few other friends and colleagues.

"But when they arrived at the door Mike was told he couldn't come in because we have a strict no colours policy.

"However, our assistant manager recognised who they were and let them in.

"We will only ever make this exception if it is the owner of the football club who is wearing the shirt.

"They came in and went upstairs to the VIP lounge and had a drink. They were very friendly and gave the staff a £500 tip for looking after them so well.

"They then went down stairs to the bar and Chris Mort took the microphone from the DJ and announced who he was.

"There were a lot of fans in who had been to the match and they all cheered.

"He then said that he and Mike would buy everyone a drink at the bar."