Joelinton claims more needs to be done 'to combat racism' after revealing he received abuse after Newcastle's defeat to Arsenal in May... but insists 'it didn't affect me'
- Joelinton received a first Brazil call-up and will join team-mate Bruno Guimaraes
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Joelinton insisted that there is still more to be done to combat racism within football, claiming that he was subjected to abuse after a home defeat to Arsenal.
The Gunners pulled off a 2-0 win over the Magpies at St. James' Park after a Martin Odegaard strike and an own goal from Fabian Schar.
However, following the bitter defeat, the Brazilian says that he was sent messages 'with racist insults'.
In recent years, a number of players have been subjected to abuse over social media - as well as at games - with three England players notably receiving messages after missing penalties in a shoot-out in the final of Euro 2020.
Joelinton admitted that it is difficult to accept that any progress is being made at all when players are still receiving abuse.
![Joelinton revealed that he received racist abuse after Newcastle's defeat to Arsenal in May](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/13/08/72071363-12188731-image-a-11_1686642466306.jpg)
Joelinton revealed that he received racist abuse after Newcastle's defeat to Arsenal in May
![He added that it came in the form of 'messages', rather than on the pitch, after the hosts lost 2-0](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/13/08/72071361-12188731-image-a-10_1686642463665.jpg)
He added that it came in the form of 'messages', rather than on the pitch, after the hosts lost 2-0
'It's an important moment to speak about racism,' he told reporters. 'We have been talking about it for a long time. Still many things need to be changed.
'We talk about a combat against racism, but we didn't have much of a change... This is not something happening now, but for a long time. And in the 21st century, we still see things like that.
'It's hard to accept and believe that we are evolving when things like this still happen.'
Yet despite the messages he alleges were sent to him following the game in May, the 26-year-old insists that it had no influence over him.
He added: 'Not on the pitch, no. But after the match against Arsenal, playing at home, I have received some messages with racist insults but it's gone. It didn't affect me.'
Joelinton has undergone a huge transformation under Eddie Howe this season - one which proved fundamental to the Magpies' Champions League qualification.
Having been signed as a striker from Hoffenheim for £40million in 2019, the Brazilian has been transformed into a relentless midfielder by the ex-Bournemouth manager this season.
Ironically, having been moved into a much deeper role in the side, the 26-year-old has had his most productive season in the famous black-and-white stripes, managing eight goals and three assists.
![Joelinton spoke of his happiness on receiving his international call-up, crying at the announcement](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/13/08/72071593-12188731-image-a-12_1686643055194.jpg)
Joelinton spoke of his happiness on receiving his international call-up, crying at the announcement
![He will join the Brazil side with his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, who he has partnered in midfield for Newcastle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/06/13/08/72071653-12188731-image-a-13_1686643123939.jpg)
He will join the Brazil side with his compatriot Bruno Guimaraes, who he has partnered in midfield for Newcastle
He now regularly plays alongside compatriot Bruno Guimaraes in the middle of the park for Newcastle - with the pair both being called up to the Brazil set up, and Joelinton spoke of his joy at his first ever international nod.
'I wanted to go to the beach and my wife told me to wait. I thought: if I get the news, I'll be there. If I don't receive it, I'll be sad, but at least I'll enjoy the beach.
'When he said my name, I just cried. It's a feeling of pride, of seeing that the effort is being seen.'
The Selecao will take on Guinea and Senegal in upcoming friendly matches, with Joelinton looking to win his first cap for his country.
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