Former football star Shay Given has issued a profound and unreserved apology after using deeply offensive language during a live television broadcast. The incident occurred on Saturday 10 January 2026, while the ex-Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was appearing as a pundit on the BBC's Final Score programme.
Live Broadcast Blunder Sparks Outrage
Given, who began his professional career at Celtic, was asked for his analysis of Wilfried Nancy's brief 33-day spell as manager of the Scottish champions. In his response, Given described the short reign as an "absolute Holocaust", a comparison that caused immediate shock due to its profound insensitivity. The Holocaust, perpetrated by Nazi Germany during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, led to the systematic murder of an estimated six million Jewish people.
Swift Apology and Donation Pledge
Facing a fierce backlash, Given moved quickly to address the severe error in judgement. Taking to his personal X account, the former shot-stopper expressed his mortification. "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 stated.
He framed the incident as a moment of personal ignorance and a chance for education. "We all have areas of ignorance in our knowledge, and I hope to use this as an opportunity to become better educated going forward," Given added. As a tangible act of contrition, he pledged to donate his fee from the day's BBC appearance to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
Broadcaster's Response and Football Context
The BBC also addressed the controversy directly. Later in the same broadcast, Final Score presenter Jason Mohammad offered an on-air apology for the "inappropriate language" used during the show. The footballing context for Given's ill-chosen words was Nancy's disastrous record at Celtic Park, which saw the club lose six of his eight games in charge.
This poor form led to Nancy's sacking and the swift return of legendary manager Martin O'Neill for a second stint at the club. O'Neill marked his comeback on the same Saturday with a convincing 4-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Dundee United.
