POLICE were called yesterday after Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds was involved in an incident outside the home of a journalist employed by The Northern Echo.

A neighbour called the police after Mr Reynolds was seen shouting at football reporter Craig Stoddart on the doorstep of his home in the Eastbourne area of Darlington.

A Durham Police spokes-man confirmed last night: "A statement has been taken from Mr Stoddart and inquiries are at an early stage."

Mr Reynolds banned Mr Stoddart from the Press box at Feethams last month after accusing him of mischievous reporting.

Mr Stoddart - a season ticket holder at Darlington FC - covered the last home game of the season from the terraces.

It is the latest in a series of controversies to surround Darlington FC after a bitterly disappointing season in which Mr Reynolds' relationship with players, fans and the media has become increasingly strained.

The club made national headlines in February when players staged a mass walkout after Mr Reynolds' wife Susan made a speech at a fans' meeting in which she said it was not unknown for players to throw games.

At the end of April, a banner was erected outside Darlington's new Neasham Road stadium, making false allegations against Century FM presenter Paul "Goffy" Gough, who considered taking legal action.

Mr Reynolds denied he had anything to do with the banner but told The Northern Echo: "I'm not taking it down - I'm leaving it until Christmas."

The banner, was, in fact, taken down later that day.