The BBC has apologized after former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given made comments about former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s time at the club.
Shay Given apologizes for comments made during Final Score broadcast (Image: BBC)
The BBC issued an on-air apology to viewers on Saturday afternoon after Shay Given denounced Wilfred Nancy’s Celtic rule as an “absolute holocaust”.
Regular BBC pundit Mr Given commented on the final score as Nancy’s short spell at Celtic was discussed. “Nancy was terrible from start to finish. I don’t think Martin (O’Neill)’s short tenure should have ended in the first place,” he said of the Frenchman, who was released by the Scottish giants after just 33 days.
“It was the week between the game against Hearts, who were top of the league, then Roma in the Europa League and St Mirren in the League Cup final. I thought we should have used Martin at least for that week.
read more: Macclesfield owner earns FA Cup hero with right move after four days of humiliation in Ibizaread more: Wayne Rooney shares emotional four-word message to brother John after Macclesfield FA Cup heroics
“Nancy took over that week, and that week a complete holocaust happened. From then on it was just a nightmare. Last weekend’s loss to Rangers was the final straw, the final nail in the coffin.”
After Mr Given’s comments were picked up online, the show’s host Jason Mohammed apologized towards the end of the broadcast, saying: “I may have heard some inappropriate language a while ago and I would like to apologize for any offense caused.”
Given himself apologized on social media later that night, saying he was “mortified” by the uproar he had caused, before saying he had donated his show fee to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
“On a live broadcast this afternoon, I used a word that I don’t fully understand the meaning of, and I will never use again.
“We all have areas of our knowledge that we are ignorant about, but we want to use this as an opportunity to become better educated in the future.
“I am deeply disappointed and sincerely apologize to everyone I have offended, and I will be donating the proceeds from today’s show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
