Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk were refused entry to Fulham owner Mohamed al-Fayed's Harrods ahead of this week's Europa League clash with the west London side, the luxury store told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Last year's UEFA Cup champions took a break from training on Tuesday to visit Britain's most famous store, but were barred from entering by security guards. The players were all wearing tracksuits.
The players tried to explain they were a football team and they hadn't packed "tuxedos to the training camp to go shopping," but to no avail, Shakhtar said.
"There are periods, when the store is at its busiest, that Harrods has to take the difficult decision to deny access to tour parties and larger groups of visitors. This is done in the interest of health and safety," a Harrods spokesperson said.
"Needless to say, we do not wish to offend or upset visitors when making these decisions," he added.
He did not answer when asked if the store's staff were aware that Shakhtar were due to play al-Fayed's Fulham. He also did not comment on whether the players' tracksuits were an issue.
"The players bought the presents for their relatives in another shop and its owner was very glad," n English-language statement on the east Ukrainian club's website said, adding that it hoped "Londoners will treat our team with respect" after the big game.
The return leg is on February 25 in Donetsk, more known for its coal mines than its shops.
MOSCOW, February 17 (RIA Novosti)
