Middlesbrough FC are, not surprisingly, keen to put on a smart performance when they play the first European fixture in the club's history.

But fans were astonished when they bought tickets for the Uefa Cup game against Banik Ostrava to find they carry a strict warning about the dress code at the Riverside Stadium on Thursday night.

Clearly printed on thousands of tickets it states: "It is a condition of entry that gentlemen wear a jacket, collar and tie. Jeans, tracksuit and trainers are not permitted."

Callers to local radio phone-ins feared the dress code could mean fans travelling to the game straight from work would be unable to change in time.

Yesterday, the club refused to comment though it is believed the warnings were printed by mistake and should only have appeared on tickets for hospitality boxes.

Rob Nichols, editor of Boro fanzine Fly Me to the Moon, believes there are supporters who will have taken the matter to heart.

"I think the sartorial style of Middlesbrough fans in the past could have been described as 'sports casual' but I'm sure they will be making a big effort for what is an historic occasion in the club's life.

"It's right that the club put on a good show.

"I shall certainly be giving my best shoes a good buffing and consider hiring a dickie bow and dinner suit for the night."