England's Jack Wilshere in row with neighbour over 18ft net in garden

Arsenal footballer Jack Wilshere has denied spitting at his elderly neighbour after the pair clashed over the England star's 18ft net in his back garden.

The 24-year-old allegedly warned Alun Cathcart, 71: "You don't want to mess with me."

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According to The Sun, the businessman had complained about the net Wilshere had installed behind a goal post to stop footballs being lost.

Cuthcart, who is the former chairman of Avis Europe,​ claims that he had parked next to his house in Hertfordshire when the footballer drove past, wound down his window and spat in his direction.

"It wasn't spittle but proper thing, front and the back of the nose and throat," he told The Sun.

"The car was playing very heavy music — as he was getting out of the car rap music was being played at full belt."

After Mr Cuthcart called the police, he claims Wilshere waited for him at the edge of his property.

He said: "He said, 'What about these lies, what is this all about?'"

Mr Cuthcart added: "His parting shot was, 'You do not want to mess with me'."

Wilshere's girlfriend Andriani Michael and her father reportedly got involved.

Police were called a second time and an officer was sent.

Cuthcart plans to press charges.