Police were called after Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds was involved in an incident outside the home of a Northern Echo journalist.

A neighbour called the police, the Echo reported, after the chairman was seen shouting at football reporter Craig Stoddart on the doorstep of his home in Darlington.

Last month the chairman accused the Darlington Football Club reporter of “mischievous reporting” and banned him from the press box of his local club.

It was said that he had taken exception to the reporter’s coverage of the growing disillusionment among fans and players following a disappointing season.

But rather than stay away from matches completely, Craig (pictured) covered the game from the terraces after editor Peter Barron insisted he had done nothing wrong.

The reporter was able to use the season ticket he has continued to buy despite getting into the ground for free as a football reporter.