This morning Eddie Howe faced the press ahead of the game against Fulham on Sunday.
Naturally, the big talking point away from the football was that Joelinton was arrested and charged in the early hours of yesterday morning with drink-driving.
Joelinton faces a court date at the end of the month where he will learn his fate in a legal sense, but the big question was: what is the club doing about the situation?
Eddie Howe said: “It came very much as a shock. Difficult situation. Jo was very upset yesterday and I think he knows the seriousness of the situation. Obviously, I can’t say too much out of respect for the case but I think he understands his responsibilities. We’re in a position now where we are supporting him but we also understand the seriousness of the situation.
[Punished?] Everything will be dealt with internally but looking at Jo as a person, he’s a very good professional and he’s hugely passionate about his career and the club. I was very much surprised by what happened. But we will support him and also educate him at this moment. He’s very young and everyone makes mistakes.” (from The Chronicle).
I suggested yesterday when the news broke that Howe seemed like the kind of man who wouldn’t let it slide lightly and would likely drop Joelinton on Sunday as punishment. When asked if he will be involved, Howe said: “I’m going to have to reflect and analyse on that. I’ll make a decision closer to the game, in consultation with him. I’m not 100 per cent sure.”
It’s good to hear that Joelinton is taking it the way he is, he is aware of his mistake and is clearly ashamed of it, but I stand by what I said when I said he should be dropped, even if just for one game. For all it will be handled by the legal system, there needs to be consequences for his actions doled out by the club too – at the end of the day, Joelinton is a role model and doing something like that sends the wrong message and the club can’t be seen to be sweeping it under the carpet.
Also – it’s not like he’s hurting for cash – get an uber or a taxi, Jo, come on!
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