Joelinton starts against Fulham as Howe addresses Newcastle star's drink-driving charge

The 26-year-old was a major doubt to be involved in the Premier League clash after he was pulled over by police in the early hours of Thursday morning where he was subsequently arrested by officers.

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Northumbria Police have stated that the Brazilian was found to be driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.

A spokesperson told ChronicleLive: "Shortly before 1.20am today [Thursday] officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant.

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"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."

Eddie Howe faced a big decision on whether to start the Brazilian in the clash at St James' Park, and revealed that the decision to start Joelinton came after dealing with the matter internally.

Speaking before the match, Howe said: "We had internal discussions with Joe.

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"I said in the press conference that we don't underestimate the severity of what he did, but we dealt with him internally.

"We've had discussions with him, he's spoken with the group as well.

"He's very remorseful and very sad earlier this week but now we've put him into the team based on everything that we know."

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