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Newcastle's Joelinton fined, given ban after drink-driving guilty plea

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton was fined £29,000 ($36,000) and was banned from driving on Wednesday after admitting to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Joelinton failed a breath test after police stopped his Mercedes in the early hours of Jan. 12 in Newcastle.

District judge Paul Currer banned him from driving for 12 months but it can be reduced to nine if the player completes a rehabilitation course.

The judge calculated the fine based on documents showing Joelinton's weekly salary of £43,000 ($53,300). The player must also pay a surcharge of £2,000 ($2,500).

Currer said he took into account Joelinton's early guilty plea and cooperation with officers during his arrest.

"You placed yourself in real jeopardy and it could have had disastrous consequences for the lives of others," the judge said. "I sincerely hope you have learned from this mistake and we don't see you in this court again."

The court proceedings came two days after Joelinton scored the winner for Newcastle in a 1-0 victory over Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals.