JUST IN: PGMOL told to keep close tabs on Newcastle star in 25/26 after incident v Tottenham
Joelinton Criticised for Aggressive Pre-Season Behaviour as Calls Grow for Eddie Howe to Intervene
Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton is facing mounting criticism for a series of overly aggressive and questionable tackles during the club’s pre-season matches, with many observers calling his conduct unbecoming of what are supposed to be friendly fixtures.
The Brazilian powerhouse has been involved in several controversial incidents already this summer, with his robust style drawing attention — and condemnation — from fans, pundits, and former officials alike. His most notable flashpoints came in games against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, where he appeared to cross the line of fair play.
During Newcastle’s recent clash against Spurs in Seoul, South Korea, Joelinton found himself at the centre of another storm. The match, which ended 1-1 thanks to goals from Brennan Johnson and Harvey Barnes, was overshadowed by a clash between Joelinton and young Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray. Spurs fans were incensed after Joelinton caught Gray with what appeared to be a deliberate swing of his arm, leading many to question the Newcastle player’s discipline and intent.
The incident followed another controversial moment during Newcastle’s earlier game against Arsenal, where Joelinton clashed with 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman. On that occasion, the midfielder was accused of needlessly leaving his arm in the face of the teenage talent as he attempted to break forward — a move widely regarded as avoidable and unnecessarily physical.
These incidents have caught the attention of former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett, who voiced his concerns in an exclusive opinion shared with Tottenham News. Hackett did not mince his words, stating that Joelinton’s actions suggest a pattern of behaviour that needs urgent addressing.
“Joelinton’s manager really needs to have a word with him,” Hackett said. “This is now a second incident where his arm is raised and makes contact with an opponent — and in both cases, it involved very young players. Whether or not he intends harm, the outcomes are reckless and damaging.”
Hackett further stressed that referees will be on heightened alert next season when it comes to monitoring such challenges. He confirmed that the PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) — the body responsible for refereeing in English football — will be briefing match officials and VAR teams to watch out for these kinds of offences more closely.
“In my view, the action is deliberate and should be picked up by officials during the game,” Hackett explained. “With Sports Analysts working with PGMOL and VAR technology in place, players who rely on overly physical tactics will be under much greater scrutiny going forward. Joelinton needs to change his approach and showcase his talent in more constructive ways.”
Spotlight on Premier League Refereeing Consistency
These developments come at a time when Premier League referees are already under considerable pressure. In recent seasons, inconsistency in officiating has drawn widespread criticism, with high-profile errors prompting repeated calls for reforms within the refereeing structure.
Joelinton’s style of play — often praised for its physicality and work rate — is now being viewed in a more negative light, particularly when it involves potentially harmful contact with younger, less physically developed opponents. Many believe that allowing players to repeatedly escape proper punishment for such actions only undermines efforts to enforce the rules fairly and protect player safety.
The pre-season is traditionally a time for building fitness, fine-tuning tactics, and promoting sportsmanship, not for reckless or overly aggressive play. Joelinton’s conduct, critics argue, risks setting the wrong tone — both for Newcastle and for the broader Premier League environment.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how referees handle similar incidents — and whether players like Joelinton can adjust their game to stay on the right side of the rules. For Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, managing that balance between aggression and control may prove crucial as Newcastle look to build on their recent progress.