GEORGE CLOONEY banned RENEE ZELLWEGER from goofing around on the set of new period sports comedy LEATHERHEADS - because he feared his star would get injured.
The movie hunk was far from amused when he discovered the actress was fooling around on set with an American football, in costume, while he was directing and starring in scenes.
But Zellweger admits there were footballs everywhere and she couldn't resist picking them up and throwing them to castmates and extras.
She tells Parade.com, "I looked ridiculous... I had on my hat with the feather, and my little high heeled buckled shoes and gloves while I was throwing the pigskin, but I couldn't help myself.
"When I gave it a toss, the director, that would be Mr. Clooney, scolded me and said, 'You put that thing down. What am I going to do with you when you miss (a catch) and take one on the nose and we've got a close up? Put that ball down.' "I thought he was a spoilsport."