Shay Given Apologises For Holocaust Comment While Talking About Celtic

Shay Given’s apology for his “unforgivable” use of the word Holocaust when referring to losing football matches has left fans bemused. Given was called out for comments made while doing punditry for BBC Sport, of which he is “mortified.”

The former Manchester City goalkeeper, who won the FA Cup, was discussing Celtic’s worrisome situation. The Bhoys sacked Wilfried Nancy after a run of six losses in eight games, bringing Martin O’Neill back to the club as his replacement.

Given, speaking on-air on BBC Final Score, Nancy’s sacking was assessed as “terrible from start to finish.” But he landed himself in controversy for further remarks made.

Given delved into the timing of Nancy’s appointment and the disappointing form the club endured under his watch. He proceeded to describe the Frenchman’s reign as an “absolute Holocaust”. He said:

“Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust that week. It was just a nightmare from then on.”

The former Newcastle shot-stopper has since posted an apology on X explaining that he didn’t know the full meaning of the word. He wrote:

“We all have areas of ignorance in our knowledge, and I hope to use this as an opportunity to become better educated going forward. I am genuinely mortified and apologise unreservedly to everyone offended, and will be donating my fee from today’s show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.”

Final Score presenter Jason Mohammed offered an apology on behalf of the BBC later on in the show: “A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused.”

Given received huge backlash for his comments, with many furious with the Irish pundit. The Holocaust claimed the lives of approximately six million Jews during World War II.