Tragic: Tara and Nathan Alsop in happier times.
THE wife of an East Geelong footballer killed during grand final celebrations last year has issued a heartfelt plea against alcohol-fuelled violence.
Victoria Police on Wednesday issued a public statement from Tara Alsop urging the community to remember: “It is never okay to use violence and there is never a justified reason for it.”
Daniel Singleton, 30, was this week acquitted of the manslaughter of teammate Nathan Alsop, 37.
Mr Alsop died after Mr Singleton punched him in the face at an East Geelong Football Club.
A Supreme Court Jury heard Mr Alsop died when he hit the ground after a single punch to the side of his head. He had consumed 39 standard drinks over 13 hours.
Mrs Alsop said her heart was broken again after this week’s not-guilty verdict.
“Alcohol-fuelled violence is something that seems to be occurring more often in our society and we need to take proactive steps to stop this.”
Mrs Alsop called her husband “an amazing father” who would have done “absolutely anything” for his family and friends.
She described Mr Alsop as a “remarkably patient man” with an infectious smile and an ability to love unconditionally.
“The images of sitting with him on that football oval with a ventilator still attached and his eyes glued shut continue to haunt me,” she said.
“The impact his loss has had on our children’s lives is immeasurable.
“It is devastating to realise that all we have left are memories and photographs.”
