‘A growing concern’ - Joelinton burglary triggers robust Eddie Howe response
Eddie Howe has offered support to Joelinton after the Newcastle United star’s home was burgled for the second time this year.
Northumbria Police confirmed a break-in at an address in Darras Hall last Thursday without confirming the owner of the property. Joelinton pleaded with potential future vandals to consider his family’s safety, with his house also targeted during Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in January.
“Our home was broken into again,” an Instagram post read. “To anyone considering doing this, please know that there is nothing valuable left here. What we care about most is our family’s safety and our kids growing up without fear. We simply want to live in peace.”
Howe admitted to Brazilian was shaken up” by the incident while offering support ahead of Newcastle’s clash against West Ham United. He told reporters: "Joe is fine. Obviously, he was shaken up initially. I have had several conversations with him about his situation, his family and his family's well-being, which is the priority. (It is) very sad to see that happen to him again - once is bad enough.
“To see him in that situation again in the same property with the same outcome, I felt really sorry for him. As a football club, we will help him through this process and do everything we can to ensure the safety of himself and his family and his possessions."
The Toon boss also revealed Newcastle are aware of the growing number of footballer-related burglaries across the Premier League. Stars like Raheem Sterling, Jesse Lingard and Jack Grealish have been targeted in recent months.
"It's something we have been aware of for a long time,” Howe added. (We) have been trying to give support to the players in terms of trying to make sure we are as strong and resilient as we can in terms of safety and the procedures that the players need to put in place to protect themselves and their properties.
“It is a growing concern. There's been a lot of work done to provide that support and make sure we are looking at prevention and ways to make sure this doesn't happen again. Certainly, we will try to do everything we can to improve that side of things for the players."