Newcastle midfielder Joelinton charged with drink driving

Joelinton was charged in the early hours of Thursday morning

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has been charged with drink driving. Northumbria Police confirmed that the Brazilian was arrested at 1:20am on Thursday (January 12) morning and was charged with driving above the prescribed limit for alcohol. A police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 1.20am today [Thursday] officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant. "Joelinton Casio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol. He is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on January 26." He's due to appear in front of magistrates in Newcastle on January 26. Eddie Howe and other members of Newcastle are aware of the incident. It follows days after the 26-year-old scored in a 2-0 win against Leicester City to secure their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup.

Howe's appointment has coincided with Joelinton's rapid rise in form. The £40m signing was moved into a midfield role and has thrived ever since, becoming one of the Magpies' most important players. Joelinton also scored in the 3-0 win away at Leicester on Boxing Day where he celebrated by putting the ball under his shirt, a reference to the fact his girlfriend, Thays Gondim, is pregnant with their third child. Related links: