The BBC was forced to issue an on-air apology on Saturday after football pundit Shay Given used the term 'absolute Holocaust' to describe Wilfried Nancy's brief managerial tenure at Celtic.
On-Air Slur Sparks Immediate Backlash
The incident occurred during the broadcaster's Final Score programme on 10 January 2026. While discussing the French manager's unsuccessful 33-day spell at the Scottish Premiership club, former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Given made the inflammatory remark.
"Nancy was terrible from start to finish," Given stated during the analysis. "Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on." He was referencing the period leading up to key matches against Hearts, Roma, and St Mirren.
Swift Apologies Issued by Broadcaster and Pundit
Presenter Jason Mohammed addressed the comment before the end of the broadcast. "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 lengthy apology on social media, expressing he was "genuinely mortified". He admitted to using a word whose meaning he did not fully understand and vowed never to repeat it.
As a gesture of contrition, Given confirmed he would donate his appearance fee from the show to the Holocaust Educational Trust. He 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 the managerial career of Wilfried Nancy at Celtic. The club sacked him after just 33 days in charge, a decision Given criticised, suggesting predecessor Martin O'Neill should have been given more time.
Nancy's short tenure was marked by disappointing results, culminating in a defeat to rivals Rangers, which Given described as the "final nail in the coffin".
This incident highlights the ongoing need for careful language in sports broadcasting, particularly regarding historical atrocities. The BBC's quick apology and Given's personal response, including the charitable donation, underscore the seriousness with which the remark was treated.
