NOH ALAM SHAH: 'I'm very happy this has happened. And, I am really sorry for what I did that affected not only Daniel, but also his family, the local football fraternity, the fans and the nation. I've known Daniel for over five years, and shouldn't have done what I did.' -- ST, TNP FILE PHOTOS

View more photos

But Singapore defender Daniel Bennett is now ready to put behind him the horror attack by national teammate Noh Alam Shah of Tampines Rovers during the Singapore Cup final last November.

'There hasn't been a day when I haven't either thought about the incident or been reminded of it by someone,' said the Singapore Armed Forces FC player yesterday.

'Almost everyone I meet tallks to me about it. I have a teammate who watches the incident on the DVD every now and then.

'But, now that I've had time to reflect and think of what happened from his perspective, I believe that what he did was not personal.

'I'm ready to leave the past behind and move on.'

The fans looked in shock as Bennett was attacked by Alam Shah during the closing stages of SAFFC's Singapore Cup final victory.

First, the charging Alam Shah appeared to knee and elbow Bennett in the chest. Bennett fell.

While he was grimacing in pain on the ground, Alam Shah kneed him on the back of the head.

The Tampines striker was then pulled away by his teammates - only to break free and return seconds later to kick Bennett in the back.

As a result, the SAFFC defender suffered numbness and discomfort on the right side of his head. He also had partial memory loss.

In an interview days after the incident, he called his national colleague's action 'unacceptable and senseless'.

He added that he could have easily been 'crippled... or worse'.

But, yesterday, on the eve of SAFFC's S-League season-opener with Albirex Niigata, Bennett was more understanding of his national teammate's actions.

He said: 'We weren't the best of mates, but we were good teammates in the national team.

'Alam Shah deserves a second chance. It's best for everyone if we put the incident behind us as soon as possible.

'There won't be a need to have coffee together or sit down for a chat. I just want the incident to be in the past.'

His comments could speed up Alam Shah's return to the national team.

For his aggression, he was banned for a year from all Football Association of Singapore-sanctioned matches.

World football body Fifa then ruled that the ban should also be applied worldwide. The FAS has appealed against this.

National coach Raddy Avramovic had earlier said that he was open to selecting Alam Shah for the Lions' World Cup qualifiers on condition that both players should be comfortable with playing together.

Said Avramovic: 'I think Daniel has made the right move and has shown himself to be a true sportsman.

'They've been good teammates before and I am happy that the work they've put in will not go to waste.

'We will wait for the result of the appeal to see what happens.'

Bennett insisted his decision to put the incident behind him had nothing to do with easing the way for Alam Shah's return to the national squad.

He said: 'It's my own decision. No one has put any pressure on me.

'I was angry before, but there comes a time when one is able to move on. It feels good to be able to do so.

'I've had a good break from football these past few months. We all needed some time off.

'Going back to the national team last month was great. The boys have been wonderful.

'There have been no adverse reactions because of what happened, so I feel I should do the same. There's nothing personal, so let's just get on with it.'

Asked whether this means he has forgiven Alam Shah for his brutal attack, Bennett replied: 'Let's not talk about it again.'

marclim@sph.com.sg