Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle United players to be 'stronger together' rather than becoming 'fractious' after Joelinton was charged with drink-driving.
Joelinton was arrested in the early hours of Thursday morning after being pulled over by police officers in the Ponteland Road area shortly before 1.20am. Joelinton was charged whilst being above the prescribed limit for alcohol and the Brazilian is now due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on January 26. The hearing will take place between the first and second legs of Newcastle's crucial Carabao Cup semi-final against Southampton.
Facing the media for the first time since Joelinton was charged, Howe revealed that the 26-year-old was 'very remorseful' and 'very upset'. Although Howe was 'shocked', the Newcastle boss said he did not think the incident would destabilise a tight-knit group at a time when the Magpies are flying in third place in the Premier League and into the last four of the League Cup for the first time in 47 years.
READ MORE: Everything Eddie Howe said on Joelinton, transfers and Fulham at Newcastle United press conference
"As I sit here now, I don't think it will," he told reporters. "Possibly, in these times, we have to be stronger together rather than become fractious and for it to give us problems.
"I will reiterate that we understand the seriousness of the situation, but we have to support Joe as well."
Howe has sat down with Joelinton and will do so again ahead of Newcastle's huge game against in-form Fulham at St James' Park at the weekend. Joelinton wants to play on Sunday, but Howe is not 100% sure if the Brazilian will be involved.
Howe plans to make that decision closer to the game, in consultation with Joelinton, and although the Newcastle boss will obviously pick a team to win the game, the 45-year-old will also take the situation into account. Joelinton has spoken to Howe, as mentioned, but the midfielder has not addressed the group as a whole just yet.
"That's not something that I've necessarily put pressure on him to do," Howe said. "That's his personal choice, but the players absolutely love Joe. There is a possibility that I will give him that opportunity, but I do think it's down to the individual."
Joelinton will be dealt with by the club internally, but Howe has spoken of the importance of not 'over-reacting', of helping and educating the father-of-two and the wider squad, too, because 'everyone makes mistakes'. Howe was keen to stress that Joelinton had been a 'very good professional' who is 'hugely passionate about his football career and the club'.
That is why the news came as a particular shock to staff and players alike and the situation is so serious that the club's owners have been kept updated.
“Of course we’ve had discussions because we’re very open with our communication around events that happen at the football club," Howe added. "That’s only right.
“But there’s been nothing that’s gone beyond just an explanation and saying what’s happened and how we’re going to deal with it. Everything then is left in my hands.”
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