MusaShay Given’s apology for his “unforgivable” use of the word Holocaust when referring to losing football matches has left fans bemused. Given was called out for comments made while doing punditry for BBC Sport, of which he is “mortified.”
The former Manchester City goalkeeper, who won the FA Cup in 2011, was discussing Celtic’s worrisome situation. The Bhoys sacked Wilfried Nancy after a run of six losses in eight games, bringing former caretaker boss Martin O’Neill back to the club as his replacement.
Given, speaking on-air on BBC Final Score, assessed Nancy’s sacking and reign by describing it as “terrible from start to finish.” But he landed himself in controversy for further comments he made.
Shay Given Apologises For Holocaust Comment
Given delved into the timing of Nancy’s appointment and the disappointing form the club endured under his watch. He proceeded to describe the Frenchman’s reign as an “absolute Holocaust”.
He said, “Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust that week. It was just a nightmare from then on.”
The former Newcastle shot-stopper has since posted an apology on X, explaining that he “didn’t know the full meaning of the word.” 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. 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.”
Final Score presenter Jason Mohammed offered an apology on behalf of the BBC later on in the show: “A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused.”
Given received huge backlash for his comments, with many furious with the Irish pundit. The Holocaust was carried out by Nazi Germany and claimed the lives of approximately six million Jews during World War II.
“Inexcusable for any adult” – Given’s Apology Slammed
Given’s pledge to become better educated about the Holocaust and using the term wasn’t enough for many of those outraged by his comments. They couldn’t understand how someone of his age (48) could not have known the offence it would cause.
One X user labelled it a disgrace: “Disgraceful, uneducated comment from Shay Given” while another added, “So Shay Given didn’t know what the word Holocaust meant when making a comment live on TV….mmmm ok then Shay hope you don’t get another chance,lying bugger.”
Given, who made 451 appearances in the Premier League, was branded ignorant by one user, “Liked Shay Given as a goalkeeper. Like him as a pundit. But how does anyone get to his age and not “fully understand” the meaning of the word, holocaust. That’s a level of “ignorance” inexcusable for any adult of his years.”
The Irishman’s lack of knowledge about the term concerned another user: “Fair play for apologising but I find it seriously worrying a man as seemingly intelligent as Shay Given hasn’t heard of the Holocaust?”
Given has worked in punditry since calling time on his playing career in July 2016. He earned 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland and won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in 1995.
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