Shay Given, the former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, has issued an unreserved apology for describing Wilfried Nancy's brief managerial stint at Celtic as "an absolute Holocaust" during a live television appearance. The incident occurred on BBC's Final Score program on Saturday, January 10, 2026, prompting swift condemnation and a subsequent on-air apology from presenter Jason Mohammad.
Given, 49, was asked to comment on Nancy's short-lived tenure, which lasted just 33 days. Nancy's time at Celtic began on December 3rd but ended after only eight games, six of which resulted in defeats, including a 3-1 loss to Rangers. Given responded by saying that Nancy's time at Celtic was "terrible from start to finish" and that "Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on". He also questioned the decision to terminate Martin O'Neill's prior short tenure. O'Neill has since returned to manage Celtic for a second time, celebrating his comeback with a 4-0 victory over Dundee United on Saturday.
The remark immediately drew criticism online, with many social media users expressing their shock and offense at Given's choice of words. The term "Holocaust" refers to the systematic genocide of approximately six million European Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Presenter Jason Mohammad addressed the situation later in the Final Score broadcast, stating, "A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused".
Given took to his X account to issue a formal apology, stating: "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". He added, "We all have areas of ignorance in our knowledge, and I hope to use this as an opportunity to become better educated going forward".
The former goalkeeper further expressed his remorse, saying he was "genuinely mortified" and offered an "unreserved" apology to anyone offended by his comments. As a further demonstration of his regret, Given pledged to donate his fee from the Final Score appearance to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
This is not the first time a public figure has been criticised for using the term "Holocaust" inappropriately. In 2021, former West Ham striker Carlton Cole apologized for using the word to describe a potential defeat his team might face.
