RADIO presenter Paul "Goffy" Gough is considering taking legal action over a banner put up at a North-East football stadium falsely claiming that he is a secret homosexual.

The Century FM DJ, who is married with three children, is furious that the banner questioning his sexuality had been hung up at Darlington Football Club's new ground.

The banner was clearly visible from the A66 which is used by 14,000 motorists a day. It read: "Latest rumour - Goffy is gay. He's come out of the closet at last."

Last night, Mr Gough said: "I got the shock of my life when I heard.

"I am going to have to think about it (legal action) over the weekend .

"Loads of people called the radio station asking if it is true. I hope what's said doesn't affect my children.

"If this gets out of control, I will do something. There's not an ounce of truth in the rumour."

Darlington's chairman, George Reynolds, who has been in a long-running dispute with Hartlepool fan Mr Gough since he arrived at the Third Division club, yesterday denied having any involvement with the banner

Mr Reynolds, a multi-millionaire, claimed he was shocked to see the banner when he arrived at the ground.

But, despite the offensive sign's appearance at the club's new showpiece stadium, he at first declined to remove it.

Mr Reynolds said: "No, I did not put it up, I know nothing about it. The football club is not involved.

"Goffy has been taking the mickey out of me on the radio. Now it has hit back. He is like a bulldog sucking a wasp.

"I am not taking the banner down - I am leaving it till Christmas."

But within hours of Mr Reynolds saying he wouldn't remove the banner, the offending sign had been taken down.

Peter Thorns, of Darlington FC Supporters Club, condemned the banner.

He said: "It's ridiculous. It's about personalities and has nothing to do with football, even the feud between George and Goffy has got nothing to do with football."

A police spokeswoman said that no complaint had been made to them.

She confirmed that police officers would be able to remove the banner if they received a complaint saying that it was offensive