Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole apologised for comparing a possible heavy defeat to Manchester City to a 'holocaust.'
West Ham travelled to Manchester to see if they could continue their pursuit of a top four finish this season, testing themselves against defending champions City.
Despite beating Liverpool before the November international break, the odds were against David Moyes side ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium.
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Moyes picked a more defensive team to take on Pep Guardiola's side and Cole, doing punditry for BBC Radio 5 Live, was asked about the line up.
"You can say he has gone a bit negative. Why not?" the 38-year-old asked.
"You’ve got to give Man City some respect otherwise you’re going to get picked off.
"Otherwise it will be a Holocaust and you don’t want that."
The BBC apologised soon after the comments and, amidst a backlash on social media, Cole also apologised on air for his choice of words.
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"I’d just like to apologise to the listeners for a totally unacceptable phrase that I used earlier in the show.
"I’m sorry if I’ve offended anybody, really and truly. Sorry."
As well as making a statement whilst still on the radio, the Chelsea academy graduate took to social media to give further apologies to those posting about the incident.
The Holocaust was the genocide of Jewish people during World War II by the Nazis, in which six million Jewish people across Europe were systematically murdered.
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Cole's comment comes just a month after Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton compared his side's 3-1 loss to Newport to the dreadful genocide.
"Someone gets in and does well but then gets suspended or injured. Someone gets in for a game, does well but then has a Holocaust, a nightmare, an absolute disaster," the former Manchester City midfielder said.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester City, West Ham United, Premier League
