BBC star makes immediate return to TV after controversial ‘Holocaust’ comment

Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given appeared on a BBC show following his controversial comment on Wilfried Nancy’s brief spell at Celtic.

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

Given described the first week or so of Nancy’s Celtic reign 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.

READ MORE: BBC forced to apologise as Shay Given calls Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic reign ‘absolute Holocaust’

OPINION

Abbie Meehan

“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 host 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.

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“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 dismissed after just eight games 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 season, marking his comeback on Saturday with a 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

Mirror Football has approached the BBC for comment on this article.

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