An in-form Brazilian star playing in the Premier League was arrested and charged by English authorities after he was found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol on Thursday.
Newcastle United attacking midfielder Joelinton is in hot water after he was found to have exceeded the legal drinking and driving limit in the early hours of Thursday morning.
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The 26-year-old is now expected to make an appearance in court later this month to face charges for his actions.
"Shortly before 1.20 am today (Thursday), officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant," a Northumbria Police spokesperson said, according to Sky Sports.
"Joelinton Cassio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol.
"He is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on January 26."
The Magpies are yet to issue a statement on the matter despite being aware of the incident.
Joelinton, who initially struggled when he signed for the Geordie club as a forward but has blossomed since moving into a midfield role, has played a key role in Newcastle's rise to third on the Premier League table so far in this campaign, having featured in 21 games, the joint-third most in the squad.
He has also registered three goals and three assists across all competitions for Eddie Howe's side this season.
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The manager recently praised the former Hoffenheim striker and his teammate Miguel Almiron for their sensational performances so far this season.
"In my opinion, this is the level they [Almiron and Joelinton] can keep on hitting," Howe said after their 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City earlier this week, in which Joelinton scored, according to The Northern Echo.
"I think they're both top players. They're both very different, but they're top players, top characters, and I think that's the key thing.
"If you have the ability to play that well, which they both have this season, then if you've got the right mentality, you can hit that consistently.
"Every day, I see a really motivated pair. The pair of them are both very motivated to keep performing well."
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