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Footballer Jack Wilshere has riled his neighbours after putting up an 18ft-high net to catch stray balls while he practises in his garden.

The England star has erected the mesh material behind a goal along the full length of the fence between his and his next door homes in Hertfordshire.

The couple, who don't wish to be named, say the "monstrosity" has 'ruined their view' and have reportedly complained to the local council.

In a letter to St Albans City and District Council they said they are concerned the fence could keel over and damage their property in windy weather and that it also "makes an annoying noise".

(Image: Getty Images)

They told The Sun: “We presumed the netting was for his children, but Jack told us it was for his own football practice.

“He can’t be very good at scoring if he needs so much netting to stop balls flying everywhere. And why is he practising in his back garden? Isn’t that what he goes to training for?

“We believe he should have had planning permission before putting up such a huge monstrosity.”

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A council spokeswoman said: “If we receive a complaint our team usually take a look and give the householder advice as to whether they need planning permission.”

A spokesman for Wilshere said it's a 'private matter' which is 'being dealt with'.

The 24-year-old Arsenal star, who currently out with a fractured fibula, recently put his six-bedroom detached home up for sale for £3.6million.

(Image: David Rogers/Getty)

The property also features a home theatre, sauna, chilled wine cellar, triple garage, gym, his and hers dressing rooms, and a games room.

Writing about the property, estate agent Hamptons says: "The accommodation extends to approx 7,200 sq ft providing the most luxurious of features, including a beautifully designed open plan kitchen, with a breakfast room leading on to the family room, all of which overlook the landscaped garden.

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"The property boasts six bedrooms, all with en-suites with a master suite accommodating his and hers dressing rooms and en suites. The property has been beautifully designed and well planned, incorporating a spacious and inviting entrance hall, with large well balanced reception rooms. An extensive lower ground floor, houses leisure facilities, to include a large fitness room with separate sauna and steam room.

"There is also a home theatre and chilled cellar with bespoke wine storage. The home theatre provides a dedicated multimedia room, created for TV, DVD and music and is fully wired for a projector, screen and surround sound. The room provides a great entertainment facility for the whole family with an AV cupboard as the hub for the multi room music system and TV satellite distribution."