Newcastle owner given dressing down before celebrating with fans

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley was refused admission to a city nightclub — because he was wearing his black and white shirt.

The supposedly reclusive billionaire went to Blu Bambu in the Bigg Market to celebrate the club's 2-0 win against Barnsley in the Carling Cup on Wednesday — but the bar does not allow football shirts and he was told he could not come in.

Stunned Ashley, the 25th richest man in Britain, was with his chairman Chris Mort.

The sports tycoon, who also wore his shirt for his first Newcastle game at Middlesbrough last weekend, was explaining who they were to staff when Mark Johnson, assistant manager of Blu Bambu, recognised the pair and said he would make an exception.

The wealthy duo were so pleased with the match result and the fans' support that they announced their arrival over the PA system, bought everyone a drink and gave the bar staff a £500 tip.

Mark Jones, chairman of Ultimate Leisure, who ownBlu Bambu, said: 'Mike was wearing his black and white shirt for the Carling Cup match and came in 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.'

They bought 150 pints for their fans before leaving at 3am.