Thesun  - JLLOYD SAMUEL knew he was in for a culture shock when he moved to Iran — but he was gobsmacked when his club sacrificed a sheep pitchside for luck.

The ex-Aston Villa ace, 31, was even more stunned when he was told to step in the animal’s blood for good fortune.

Samuel, who now plies his trade for Esteghlal FC in Iran, said the ritual — which took place after the club had lost a match — was a huge indication of how different football in Iran is compared to England.

The former England Under-21 star said: “I was spoilt in England.

“The biggest eye-opener was when they sacrificed a sheep for good luck.

“We had lost a game, so they brought a sheep to the side of the pitch and slit its throat.

“It was a bit of a shock, to put it mildly.

“You’re meant to step into the blood for good luck, but I actually took a step backwards.

“I can’t go against their beliefs, but I wasn’t going to join in.

“It’s taking some getting used to, but the funny thing is we won the next game.

“The supporters are fanatical. You get 85,000 to 100,000 people at our home games. They’re so passionate.”

Samuel has endeavoured to immerse himself in the ways of the Middle-East country — but draws the line at driving on the roads in Tehran.

He explained: “I’ve never seen anything like it. I wouldn’t drive here — it’s too daunting.

“You take your life in your hands when you hit the road in Tehran.

“People complain about the traffic in London, but it’s a white-knuckle ride here. And the din is tremendous!

“They don’t bother with indicators, they just hoot. In fact, they seem to drive all the time with their hands on the beeper.”