BBC apologise after Shay Given's 'Holocaust' comment on live TV broadcast

Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has taken to social media to apologise after making a comment in relation to the Holocaust live on air during Saturday's FA Cup coverage on the BBC

Shay Given has issued a public apology after facing widespread criticism for describing Wilfried Nancy's brief spell as Celtic manager as 'an absolute Holocaust.'

The controversial remarks from the 49-year-old were made on Saturday's edition of 'Final Score', where the ex-Republic of Ireland international was serving as a pundit.

Nancy's troubled reign at Celtic lasted just 33 days, and Given drew a comparison to The Holocaust - the systematic murder of six million European Jews by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II.

BBC Sport presenter Jason Mohammed swiftly apologised for ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Given's language.

He had earlier asked: "What have you made of what's gone on at Celtic, Wilfied Nancy going after the defeat against Rangers, awful in the second half?"

To which, Given responded: "Nancy was terrible from start to finish, I don't think they should have ended Martin's (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."

He added: "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," reports the Express.

Mohammed issued an apology towards the end of the programme, saying: "A little earlier, you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused."

Given also posted an apology on social media, writing: "On live television this afternoon, I used a word that I didn't fully understand the meaning of, and certainly won't ever 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."

He continued: "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."