BBC pundit apologises for Wilfried Nancy Celtic 'holocaust' comment on live TV

The former Newcastle and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper – who began his career at Celtic – was asked for his thoughts on Nancy’s 33-day reign on BBC’s Final Score show on Saturday and replied with insensitive language.

An estimated six million Jews died during The Holocaust, which was carried out by Nazi Germany during World War Two between 1939 and 1945.

Given was asked about the Frenchman’s Celtic tenure and replied: “Nancy was terrible from start to finish. I don’t think they should have ended Martin O’Neill’s short tenure at the start.

“It was the week leading up to the Hearts game, top of the league clash, then Roma in the Europa League and St Mirren in the League Cup final. I thought Martin should have been given that week at least.

“Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on. The defeats and Rangers last weekend was the final straw, final nail in the coffin.”

Final Score presenter Jason Mohammad apologised later in the show for the “inappropriate language” used.

Given later issued an apology on his personal X account, which read: “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.”

Nancy’s sacking came after eight games in charge of the Scottish champions, six of which were lost.

Martin O’Neill has since taken charge at Celtic for the second time this season, marking his return on Saturday with a 4-0 Scottish Premiership victory over Dundee United.