Shay Given apologises for using 'holocaust' to describe Wilfried Nancy's tenure

Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has issued an apology after using the term ‘an absolute holocaust’ to describe Wilfried Nancy’s brief stint as Celtic coach during a live television appearance, admitting that he used the word without fully grasping its meaning.

Celtic appointed former manager Martin O'Neill for the remainder of the season after Nancy was dismissed following just eight games in charge.

On Saturday, Given commented that O'Neill should have been given more time before the club decided to bring Nancy in for a crucial period.

"Nancy took over that week and had an absolute holocaust in that week and it was just a nightmare from then on," Given said during the broadcast.

Jason Mohammad, BBC host, later expressed regret for the comment, and Given followed suit with an apology on social media.

In a statement, Given apologised for using an inappropriate term on live television, acknowledging his ignorance of its true meaning, and pledged to donate his fee to the Holocaust Educational Trust as a form of atonement.

"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," Given 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."