Newcastle United star Joelinton has been fined less than a week’s wages after admitting drink driving. The 26-year-old Premier League midfielder was stopped by police who spotted his 2022-plate Mercedes G wagon on Ponteland Road, Newcastle, at around 1.20am on January 12th.
The Brazilian failed a breath test which showed he had 43mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath when the legal limit is 35mg. District Judge Paul Currer fined him £29,000 (€33,000) and banned him from driving for 12 months, which will be reduced to nine months if he completes a rehabilitation course.
The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing his weekly wage was £43,000. The player must also pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.
Jonathan Stirland, prosecuting, said officers spotted his car driving at speed near the football ground and requested the driver to stop.