The BBC was compelled to issue an immediate on-air apology on Saturday after football pundit Shay Given used the term 'absolute Holocaust' to describe Wilfried Nancy's brief tenure as Celtic manager.
Live Broadcast Blunder Sparks Outrage
The incident occurred during the BBC's Final Score programme on Saturday, 10 January 2026. While discussing the French manager's short-lived spell at the Scottish Premiership club, former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given made the inflammatory remark.
"Nancy was terrible from start to finish," Given stated. "Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on." He was referring to the period after Nancy replaced Martin O'Neill, which included a top-of-the-table clash with Hearts, a Europa League match against Roma, and a League Cup final with St Mirren.
Swift Apologies Issued On-Air and Online
Presenter Jason Mohammed addressed the comment before the broadcast concluded. "A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language so we would like to apologise for any offence caused," he told viewers.
Later that evening, Shay Given posted a profound apology on social media. He expressed being "mortified" by his error and announced he would donate his appearance fee from the show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
"On live television this afternoon, I used a word that I didn't fully understand meaning of, and certainly won't ever 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."
Context of Nancy's Celtic Reign
The controversy centres on Wilfried Nancy's managerial stint at Celtic, which lasted a mere 33 days before he was dismissed by the club. Given had argued that predecessor Martin O'Neill should have been allowed to remain in charge for the critical week of fixtures that Nancy oversaw.
The BBC, which employs Given as a regular pundit, has not commented further beyond the on-air apology. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity around the use of historical tragedies in sporting analogies and the responsibility of broadcasters and their contributors.
