A professional goalkeeper has aroused the anger of his neighbours by displaying an artwork featuring a blow-up sex doll in his garden. Derby County player Stephen Bywater has been urged to remove the piece and an accompanying portable toilet cabin and horse box decorated with graffiti. Tensions have become so inflamed that the police have been called in. However Bywater insists the work - which includes a set of rubber genitalia attached to the inflatable erotic doll - is a "masterpiece".
The footballer's next-door neighbour in the small village of Sutton-on-the-Hill said the dispute started last December when he put the items in the garden of the home he shares with wife Zoe. The 75-year-old, who did not wish to be named, said: "We are trying to sell the house, it's 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 is horrible to have to look at it. Children go past on the bus as well. We are totally bewildered by his actions."
Another village resident, TV ghosthunter Richard Felix said: "It is an eyesore and you can't miss it if you drive through the village." Mr Bywater said the installation, which includes a set of wind chimes, was not part of a dispute. He said: "Lots of people have a hobby and my current hobby is art. We spoke to the neighbours at their request on Thursday, September 16, and they told us that as far as they are concerned it can stay, and I quote, 'we are not that bothered'. In reference to his misspelled graffiti, he added: "She advised me to use a dictionary next time."
In a statement, the club said: "The club was made aware of the issue through a third party and has been in dialogue with Stephen about it and the perceptions that may arise from it. We have also been in contact with his neighbours regarding his actions. Derby County does not condone and completely disassociates itself with this type of behaviour. This is not the type of conduct we expect from one of our employees."
There's a video here.
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