Clutter fingers!

Goalie’s garden art scores an own goal

An Oldham-raised goalkeeper has dropped a clanger by installing offensive art in his garden.

Top-stopper Stephen Bywater — now at Championship side Derby County — has angered neighbours with his artwork which consists of a graffiti-daubed toilet block and horse box. Until recently a blow-up doll was also attached at the former Blue Coat pupil’s home.

The footballer claims it is his masterpiece — but the art has been lambasted as an eyesore by furious neighbours and even given the red card by the Pride Park club.

Derbyshire Police say they were called to Mr Bywater’s village following a dispute between neighbours and are hoping to help bring the situation to an amicable solution. Officers demanded removal of doll.

Mr Bywater’s next-door neighbour said the dispute started last December when the Rams’ number one put the items in the garden of the Derbyshire home he shares with wife Zoe. The graffiti includes the words love and “piece”.

The 75-year-old neighbour told reporters: “We are trying to sell the house. It is horrible. We were away on holiday when he put it up. Our neighbours sent us pictures to show us what he had done and my wife didn’t want to come home.

“He adds to it all the time, painting extra bits and putting more things on. He says it is his artwork but we just want him to take it down. It’s horrible. We are totally bewildered by his actions.”

But Mr Bywater (29), who began his career at Rochdale, denied there was a dispute.

He said: “Lots of people have a hobby and my current hobby is art. We spoke to the neighbours and they told us it can stay.”

Derby officials have disassociated themselves from their player’s home work.