By Victor Kanayo
A Brazilian and English Premier League footballer, Joelinton, has incurred the wrath of police authorities in England, after he was found guilty of driving while drunk.
It has now emerged that Joelinton, Newcastle United midfielder, has been banned from driving and fined £29,000, after admitting drink-driving.
Police arrested the Brazilian player, after pulling over his 2022-plate Mercedes G-Wagen on January 12, 2023 on Ponteland Road, Newcastle, BBC reports.
A breath test showed the 26-year-old had 43 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, above the legal limit of 35.
Sitting at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, district judge Paul Currer, gave him a 12-month driving ban.
This will be reduced to nine months, if Joelinton completes a rehabilitation course.
The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing the footballer’s weekly wage was £43,000 and said, “he must also pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.”
He said, he took Joelinton’s early guilty plea and compliance with officers into account and was convinced of his remorse.
The Rejuvenated Newcastle United have fared well in the current season.
With 39 points after playing 20 matches, they occupy third position behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
Their next EPL game will be against West Ham United on February 4.
But that will be after a return leg semi-final battle against Southampton, in the EFL cup on January 31.
