Pundit makes instant return to BBC after ‘Holocaust’ comment | Football | Sport

Shay Given has made an immediate return to TV with an appearance on Football Focus following his controversial ‘Holocaust’ remark about the now-former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy. Last week, the ex-Premier League goalkeeper was asked for his views on Nancy’s 33-day spell during BBC’s Final Score, and he responded using insensitive language – for which both he and the broadcaster apologised.

Given described the opening week of Nancy’s Celtic tenure as an ‘absolute Holocaust’. “Nancy was terrible, from start to finish, I don’t think they should have ended Martin’s [O’Neill’s] short tenure at the start,” Given said of the Frenchman. “It was the week leading up to the Hearts game, top of the league clash, then Roma in the Europa League and St Mirren in the League Cup final. I thought Martin should have been given that week at least.

“Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week. It was a nightmare from then on. The defeats and Rangers last weekend was the final straw. [That was] Final nail in the coffin.”

At the time, BBC Sport presenter Jason Mohammad issued an on-air apology to Final Score viewers. “A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused,” Mohammad said.

Given later took to social media platform X himself to clarify that he ‘didn’t fully understand’ the meaning of the word. “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,” Given 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.”

Nancy was sacked after just eight matches in charge of the Scottish champions, having lost six of them. Martin O’Neill has since returned to the Celtic dugout for the second time this campaign, marking his return on Saturday with a 4-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Dundee United.