Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper and BBC sports commentator Shay Given apologized on Saturday after describing a brief coaching spell at Scottish soccer club Celtic as “an absolute Holocaust” during a live television broadcast.
Given, 49, was speaking on BBC’s Final Score show about Wilfried Nancy, the French coach whom Celtic appointed on December 4 and dismissed on January 5 after just eight matches. Celtic, one of Scotland’s most successful clubs, had high expectations this season but struggled under Nancy’s leadership.
Asked to assess Nancy’s short tenure, Given said on air: “Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on.”
The comment prompted an on-air apology from show presenter Jason Mohammad, who said later in the broadcast: “A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologize for any offense caused.”
Given later apologized in a social media post, saying he had used a word whose meaning he did not “fully understand” and that he “certainly won’t ever use again.” He said he was “genuinely mortified,” apologized “unreservedly” to those offended and said he would donate his fee from the broadcast to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Given enjoyed a long professional playing career in Britain, including 451 appearances in the English Premier League with clubs such as Newcastle United and Manchester City. In soccer commentary and punditry he is a familiar voice for audiences in the UK and internationally.
Nancy, 48, lasted only 33 days at the Celtic helm, losing six of the eight matches he oversaw. Celtic are currently second in the Scottish Premiership, trailing league leaders by a small margin.