FORMER Rangers coach Issame Charai admits he underestimated the religious divide in Glasgow when he arrived at Ibrox.
The 43-year-old was appointed assistant manager by Philippe Clement in January and spent just five months in Scotland, but outlived his fellow Belgian who was axed in February.
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Charai quit the Light Blues in June to take on his first managerial role at club level with Belgian side Westerlo.
It’s unchartered territory for the coach who had only managed the Moroccan Under-23 side previously.
But when it comes to unfamiliar ground, nothing quite prepared him for life in Glasgow.
Charai has revealed he was left worried for his family after discovering the shocking side of sectarianism in Scottish football.
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The thought of sending his daughter to a catholic school while working at Ibrox had him fearing the worst – until he met the school‘s headmaster.
He has even revealed that he was warned not to wear anything green in Scotland when he took over the role in Govan.
Asked how he dealt with the religious divide in Glasgow, Charai told Belgian outlet Niewsblad: “I honestly underestimated that a bit. I thought, ‘Ah, that’s a bit like Antwerp-Beerschot in Scots.’ But nothing could be further from the truth.
“It goes way too far.
“Before I even landed in Glasgow, I was politely requested not to wear anything green. Because that would have been the beginning of the end. The chants in the stadium too, I can’t repeat them here.
“That sectarian stuff is also largely banned, but that doesn’t help. Four hours before the match, hundreds of people are already lining up to ask for the same autograph again or to buy a pin.
“When we were looking for a school for my daughter, the biggest fear was that she would be bullied because it happened to be a Catholic school.
“But it turned out her headmaster was a huge Rangers fan, ‘Mr Charai, so nice to meet you. I’m a big fan.’ His son even played for Rangers.
The Old Firm might be blighted by deep-rooted religious controversies.
But it remains one of the biggest derbies in world football.
Charai will never forget being part of the famous fixture and even had the chance to bring family over to watch it in person.
And he couldn’t have picked a better showdown for his brother to attend as Rangers beat Celtic at Parkhead, with Hamza Igamane netting a late winner.
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He continued: “My brother Anas lives in Antwerp and wanted to experience the Old Firm. He’s a huge Olympique Marseille fan and even has a season ticket. He loves that electric atmosphere.
“It was the first time since Covid that away fans were allowed back. He thought it was amazing, that atmosphere at Celtic Park.
“The fact that we won in the last minute with that Hamza Igamane goal made it even more special.
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“There’s a great photo of Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers literally dejected and me going absolutely crazy.
“Those are the moments that make you want to be in this job.”
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