Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given apologises after making Holocaust remark

Former Premier League footballer Shay Given has apologised for describing sacked Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy's time at the club as an "absolute Holocaust".

Given made the comments on BBC's Final Score show on Saturday.

The former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was asked about Nancy's time at Celtic Park, which lasted just 33 days after six defeats in eight games.

Given has since apologised "unreservedly".

He said in a statement on X: "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.

"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."

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An estimated six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, which was carried out by Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

Final Score presenter, Jason Mohammad, apologised for the "inappropriate language" used later in the show.

Martin O'Neill, who was Celtic's interim boss before Nancy's appointment, has taken charge for the second time this season.

His side marked his return with a 4-0 win over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

(c) Sky News 2026: Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given apologises after making Holocaust remark