Shay Given Apologizes for Holocaust Remark on BBC Show
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has issued an unreserved apology for his insensitive remarks about Wilfried Nancy's brief tenure as Celtic manager. During a live broadcast on the BBC show Final Score, Given described Nancy's 33-day reign as an 'absolute Holocaust', a phrase that has since sparked widespread controversy.
Given, 49, was invited to share his thoughts on Nancy's sacking, which came after just eight games and 33 days in charge of the Scottish champions. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Given acknowledged the insensitivity of his choice of words, explaining that he had used a term he did not fully comprehend and would never use again.
He continued, 'We all have gaps in our knowledge, and I hope this incident serves as a learning opportunity for me to become more educated in the future.'
Given expressed genuine remorse, offering an unreserved apology to anyone who felt offended. As a gesture of goodwill, he announced that he would be donating his fee from the show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
The presenter of Final Score, Jason Mohammad, also apologized on air for the 'inappropriate language' used during the segment. Wilfried Nancy, the French manager, was sacked last week following Celtic's 3-1 defeat to Rangers, marking his sixth loss in eight games. Nancy's short reign as Celtic boss is now the shortest in the club's history.
The Holocaust, a tragic event orchestrated by Nazi Germany during World War II, resulted in the lives of approximately six million Jews. This incident has sparked a necessary conversation about the importance of sensitivity and awareness in public discourse.
