Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton has penned an emotional apology "to all the fans of Newcastle and all the people of this city" after being charged with drink driving.
The Magpies player appeared in Newcastle Magistrates Court this morning (Thursday, January 26) and was fined £31,085 and banned from driving for 12 months.
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Shortly after his hearing, Joelinton shared a message written on Instagram and posted to his story in front of a black background. In the post, the 26-year-old apologised to football fans and people of the North East city.
He said: "Hi everyone, I wanted to acknowledge that I made a mistake and to publicly apologise to all the fans of Newcastle and all the people of this city. My actions unintentionally put other people in danger. For that, I am truly sorry.
"I will learn the lessons from this incident and will do everything I can to be a role model for my family, for football and for society."
Joelinton was pulled over near Ponteland by Northumbria Police over a fortnight ago.
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The court heard the 26-year-old drank two glasses of wine and thought he was safe to drive. But his breath reading was 43mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.
“Shortly before 1:20 am today, officers pulled over a vehicle in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle and arrested the occupant,” a Northumbria Police statement read.
“Joelinton Cassio, 26, of Ponteland, has since been charged with driving whilst above the prescribed limit for alcohol.”