Shay Given has “unreservedly” apologised for describing Wilfried Nancy’s brief time as Celtic manager as an “absolute Holocaust” on live television.
The former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, who began his career at Celtic, was asked for his thoughts on Nancy’s 33-day reign on BBC’s Final Score show on Saturday and replied with insensitive language.
An estimated six million Jews died during the Holocaust, which was carried out by Nazi Germany during World War Two between 1939 and 1945.
Given took to his personal X account to issue a statement regarding the language.
He wrote: “On live television this afternoon, I used a word that I didn’t fully understand the meaning of, and I certainly wouldn’t use again.
“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 Mohammad previously apologised on behalf of the broadcaster later in the show for the “inappropriate language” used.
Given took to his personal X account to issue a statement regarding the language | BBC
He said: “A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language so we would like to apologise for any offence caused.”
Nancy’s sacking came after eight games in charge of the Scottish champions, six of which were lost.
Martin O’Neill has since taken charge at Celtic for the second time this season, marking his return on Saturday with a 4-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Dundee United.
After Given’s comments were made, viewers took to social media to express their outrage.
One watcher wrote on X: “RIP Shay Given career. Given has just said Celtic ‘had an absolute Holocaust’ on BBC Final Score.”
Another said: “Shay Given just said that Wilfried Nancy had a ‘Holocaust’ of a week when he took the job. I’m not sure that’s what he meant to say.”
Some took a more sympathetic view.
They wrote: “Shay Given just apologise and withdraw what he said and just own it. I’m sure he didn’t mean to say Holocaust in reference to Celtic’s season.”
Wilfried Nancy was sacked by Celtic | GETTY
After the game, despite resuming his supervision of the team with a 4-0 victory over Dundee United, manager Martin O’Neill warned Celtic could be in “serious trouble” if they do not strengthen their squad.
A dominant display seemingly banished concerns there might be lasting damage from Wilfried Nancy’s brief but torrid tenure.
O’Neill returned to oversee a first clean sheet since his final game in caretaker charge and equal the two biggest wins of the William Hill Premiership season, which also came under his watch.
Two first-half goals in five minutes from Yang Hyun-jun and Arne Engels sent Celtic on their way, with substitute Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda netting after the break.