Exclusive: PGMOL told to keep close tabs on Newcastle star in 25/26 after incident v Tottenham

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton finds himself under scrutiny after a series of questionable challenges during the club’s pre-season fixtures.

The Brazilian enforcer has developed a reputation for his combative style, but his recent actions against both Arsenal and Tottenham have sparked debate about where to draw the line between aggression and recklessness.

The latest incident occurred during Sunday’s friendly against Tottenham in Seoul, where Joelinton appeared to strike young midfielder Archie Gray with a raised forearm.

While the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the aftermath has been dominated by discussion over the 27-year-old’s conduct.

This follows another controversial moment in Newcastle’s clash with Arsenal, where Joelinton’s high arm made contact with 15-year-old Gunners prospect Max Dowman.

Though the intent behind the challenges remains unclear, the frequency of such incidents has raised eyebrows.

Former Premier League referee and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has weighed in, suggesting that Joelinton’s manager, Eddie Howe, should address the player’s approach before the new campaign begins.

“This is another incident where his arm is raised and comes into contact with his opponent,” Hackett stated. “The action, in my opinion, is deliberate and should be detected and punished by match officials. Moving forward, referees and VAR operators will be paying closer attention to these kinds of challenges. Joelinton needs to adjust his game and let his footballing ability do the talking.”

Hackett’s comments highlight a growing concern that Joelinton has been allowed to push the boundaries of physical play without sufficient consequences.

Last season, the midfielder frequently escaped punishment for robust tackles and off-the-ball incidents, much to the frustration of opposition fans and managers. If he continues in the same vein, referees may be less lenient when the competitive action resumes.

The scrutiny on Joelinton also reflects wider tensions surrounding officiating standards in the Premier League.

Inconsistencies in decision-making have been a recurring issue, with fans and pundits alike calling for greater transparency and accountability from referees.

High-profile errors and perceived biases have eroded trust in the system, and players who regularly test the limits of fair play only add fuel to the fire.

For Newcastle, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. Joelinton’s tenacity has been a key part of their midfield identity under Howe, but if his aggression spills over into outright ill-discipline, it could cost the team dearly.

With the new season fast approaching, the Magpies will hope their midfield enforcer can channel his physicality more responsibly—before referees and VAR inevitably clamp down.

As the debate continues, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Joelinton when the Premier League returns, with officials under pressure to ensure that the line between competitive edge and dangerous play is properly enforced.