A BANNER hung outside Darlington's new football ground for 24 hours. It didn't say "Welcome to the exciting new home of the Quakers" as it might.

For the thousands of motorists on the bypass skirting Darlington, it alleged that one of the region's best-known radio presenters - Paul "Goffy" Gough - is gay.

It claimed that Mr Gough - a married man with children - had come out of the closet.

There is no need for him to come out of the closet because he isn't gay. Even if he was, it wouldn't matter one jot to the majority of decent people.

But this was the latest very sad episode to cloud the hope that so recently surrounded Darlington Football Club.

Chairman George Reynolds insists it wasn't him who hung up the banner, which is just as well because whoever did is pathetic.

Mr Reynolds, the club's saviour three seasons ago, told The Northern Echo, however, that he had no intention of taking it down. In fact, he insisted it would stay until Christmas.

The banner did come down last night but Mr Reynolds called The Northern Echo and other media representatives to suggest that it could be replaced by others, making similar allegations about prominent members of our staff.

It is with mixed feelings that this comment is published because, on one hand, we do not wish to become embroiled in a childish spat with Mr Reynolds.

On the other hand, we cannot ignore something which has provoked comment on radio, telephone calls to our offices, and which further undermines the reputation of a proud football club.

We also believe our readers have the right to know what is being allowed to go on at Darlington FC.

It is no longer libellous in the modern age to accuse someone of being gay.

It is, however, damaging to falsely suggest that someone has been deceitful about their sexuality by saying they have "come out of the closet".

So whoever erected the banner, any responsible club - any responsible chairman - should have had it removed without delay.

It is no coincidence that Mr Gough takes pride in being a supporter of arch rivals Hartlepool United, who are in the Third Division play-offs today.

The Century presenter is also a self-confessed wind-up merchant who has delighted in having fun at Mr Reynolds' expense.

But whoever put up the banner, Mr Reynolds' gleeful reaction and subsequent remarks about the possibility of further public allegations being displayed do not reflect well on Darlington FC.

It is impossible to imagine this kind of thing happening at another club.

What would the likes of Steve Gibson, Bob Murray or Freddie Shepherd - the Premiership chairmen Mr Reynolds aspires to emulate - think of it all?

We have supported Mr Reynolds through his takeover of the club and his controversial proposal to build a new stadium. It represents an important investment in the town and Mr Reynolds' vision is to be applauded.

He has ploughed millions of pounds into Darlington FC and we want him and the club to enjoy the success his financial commitment deserves.

But the truth is that optimism and support have been eroded by pessimism and grave doubts about the future of the Quakers.

Darlington is in danger of becoming a laughing stock. Leading figures in the town are geuninely concerned and so are the supporters.

So for goodness sake let common sense prevail and stop all this nonsense.

It is a football club. We look forward to the day when local people are concentrating on watching football on the pitch at the new stadium - not taking their eyes off the road as they drive past to try to read cheap and nasty banners

Read more about Darlington FC here.