EDDIE HOWE has held a face-to-face discussion with Joelinton in the wake of the striker’s arrest for drink driving in the early hours of Thursday morning – but the Newcastle boss admits he is still weighing up “a number of different factors” as he ponders whether the select the Brazilian for Sunday’s game with Fulham.

Joelinton, of Ponteland, is due to appear in Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on January 26 after he was arrested at 1.20am on Thursday morning in the Ponteland Road area of Newcastle, but his legal position does not prevent him from appearing at the weekend if selected.

Howe admits the news of the South American’s arrest came as a huge surprise, and having made a point of discussing the situation yesterday, he is confident Joelinton regrets his actions and is full of remorse.

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However, he is still considering leaving the 26-year-old out of the side for Sunday’s game against a Fulham side that flexed their muscles with a 2-1 win over Chelsea last night.

“I’m going to have to reflect and analyse,” said Howe, when asked whether Joelinton would be in the side to face the Cottagers. “I’ll make a decision closer to the game, in consultation with him. I’m not 100 per cent sure at the moment.

“The news came very much as a shock. It’s a difficult situation. Joe is very remorseful, and he was very upset yesterday. I think he knows the seriousness of the situation.

“Obviously I can’t go into too much detail, out of respect for the case, but I think he understands his responsibilities. We’re now in a position where we’re supporting him, but as a football club, we also understand the seriousness of the situation.”

Newcastle are likely to instigate formal internal disciplinary proceedings against Joelinton, although they might well have to wait until court proceedings have run their course.

Nevertheless, Howe admits there is a need to balance punishment with education and an understandable desire to support an employee who appears to accept he has made a mistake.

“Everything will be dealt with internally,” said the Magpies boss. “Certainly, looking at Joe as a person, then from day one, with my interactions with him, he’s a very good professional who is hugely passionate about his football career and the club.

“I was very much surprised by what happened, but we will back him and support while also educating him and helping him at this moment, because I think that’s hugely important. He’s very young and everyone makes mistakes, and I think it’s important now that we don’t overreact as well.”

The Newcastle hierarchy have discussed Joelinton’s arrest with the club’s Saudi Arabian owners, with Saudi Arabian laws featuring a strict prohibition on the manufacture, sale, possession and consumption of alcohol.

At this stage, however, there is no suggestion of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who own 80 per cent of the club, becoming involved in any disciplinary decisions or discussions over whether or not Joelinton should be considered for selection against Fulham.

“Of course we’ve had discussions (with the owners), because we’re very open with our communication around events that happen at the football club,” said Howe. “I think 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.”

Hexham Courant: Joelinton will appear in front of magistrates in Newcastle later this month charged with a drink-driving offenceJoelinton will appear in front of magistrates in Newcastle later this month charged with a drink-driving offence (Image: PA)

As well as speaking to Joelinton about what occurred on Thursday evening, Howe admits he is considering having a wider discussion with the rest of the squad around driving rules and regulations, and the need to remain within the parameters of the law when it comes to issues such as drink-driving, speeding and texting at the wheel.

Newcastle’s squad features players from all around the world, with laws and guidelines often different in different jurisdictions.

“Professionalism is the key and the heartbeat of every football club or every sporting organisation,” said Howe. “You need your players to understand their roles - and not just players, but staff and everyone connected with the club. Certainly, this is an opportunity for us to do that again.

“All of us as humans cannot educate ourselves enough on these things. I don’t claim to be an expert on this area, so for all of us, it might be time to do that (have further education).”

Whatever happens though, Howe is confident this week’s off-field events will not destabilise the squad or disrupt the momentum that has taken Newcastle to a top-three position and a place in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season.

“As I sit here now, I don’t think it will,” he said. “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.”