BBC pundit Shay Given apologizes after calling Celtic coach's stint an 'absolute Holocaust'
The former Ireland goalkeeper said he did not 'fully understand' the term he used on air, said he was 'genuinely mortified' and apologized unreservedly after making the remark while discussing the brief, month-long tenure of a Celtic coach
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The former Ireland goalkeeper said he did not 'fully understand' the term he used on air, said he was 'genuinely mortified' and apologized unreservedly after making the remark while discussing the brief, month-long tenure of a Celtic coach
Shay Given (middle right) with Michael Owen, John Collins and Ashley Williams, from left, in November. Credit: James Manning/PA via AP
Shay Given (middle right) with Michael Owen, John Collins and Ashley Williams, from left, in November. Credit: James Manning/PA via AP
03:18 PM • January 11 2026 IST
Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper and BBC sports commentator Shay Given apologized on Saturday after describing a brief coaching spell at Scottish soccer club Celtic as "an absolute Holocaust" during a live television broadcast.
Given, 49, was speaking on BBC's Final Score show about Wilfried Nancy, the French coach whom Celtic appointed on December 4 and dismissed on January 5 after just eight matches. Celtic, one of Scotland's most successful clubs, had high expectations this season but struggled under Nancy's leadership.
Asked to assess Nancy's short tenure, Given said on air: "Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on."
