Newcastle midfielder Joelinton faces drunk driving charges after being pulled over this morning

Newcastle midfielder Joelinton has been charged with drunk driving and will appear in court at the end of the month.

The Brazilian was stopped by police at 1.20am on Thursday and arrested by officers. He was subsequently charged with driving above the prescribed alcohol limit.

Joelinton is due to appear in court on January 26, two days after Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in Southampton.

Newcastle midfielder Joelinton (pictured) has been charged with drunk driving

Newcastle paid £40m for the former Hoffenheim player in 2019 and he is believed to be making around £80,000 a week.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Just before 1.20am today (Thursday) officers stopped a vehicle in the area of ​​Ponteland Road in Newcastle and arrested the occupant.

“Joelinton Casio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged while he was above the prescribed alcohol limit. He is due to appear before judges in Newcastle on January 26.’

The midfielder joined the club from Hoffenheim in 2019 for £40million and has starred this season

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is aware of the incident and the matter is being dealt with internally.

Joelinton has been a revelation under Howe, finishing in the bottom eight of the Carabao Cup in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Leicester.

He was one of the success stories of Howe’s reign, having initially struggled after moving to St James’ Park when the Englishman put Joelinton in a midfield role.

Tuesday’s goal was his third of 21 appearances this season and he has emerged as a fan favorite as the team climbed to third place in the Premier League.