Joelinton, a Newcastle United midfielder, has been banned from driving and fined £29,000 after admitting to drinking and driving.
At 01:20 GMT on January 12, police stopped the Brazilian player’s Mercedes G-Wagen with the license plate 2022 in Ponteland Road, Newcastle.
A breath test revealed that the 26-year-old had 43 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, which was higher than the legal limit of 35.
District judge Paul Currer imposed a 12-month driving ban on him at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court.
If Joelinton successfully completes a rehabilitation program, his sentence will be reduced to nine months.
The fine was calculated by the judge based on documents showing the footballer’s weekly wage of £43,000, and he was also ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and £85 costs.
He stated that he was convinced of Joelinton’s remorse after considering his early guilty plea and compliance with officers.
“You put yourself in real danger, and the consequences could have been disastrous for the lives of others,” he told the player.
“I sincerely hope you’ve learned your lesson and that we don’t see you in this court again.”
Prosecutor Jonathan Stirland said officers spotted the player’s car speeding near St James’ Park and asked the driver to stop.
According to the court, his roadside breath test resulted in 50 micrograms per 100ml of breath, which was reduced to 43 micrograms in one of two subsequent tests at Forth Banks police station.
The player, identified as Joelinton Cassio and residing in Ponteland, Northumberland, told officers he had consumed two glasses of wine earlier in the evening.
He later apologized to fans, saying he was “truly sorry” and that he would try to “learn the lessons” and be a “role model” from the incident.