Shay Given is "genuinely mortified" and has "unreservedly" apologised for describing Wilfried Nancy's spell as Celtic manager as an "absolute Holocaust" while appearing on BBC show Final Score.
The former Premier League goalkeeper, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa, was asked to give his thoughts on Nancy's 33-day tenure as Celtic boss.
After being appointed by the Scottish Premiership side on December 3, the Frenchman was sacked a month later following the club's 3-1 defeat to Rangers, which was Celtic's sixth defeat in eight games.
Speaking on Final Score, Given said Nancy's spell in charge was "terrible from start to finish", adding: "I don’t think they should have ended Martin’s [O’Neill’s] short tenure at the start."
He added: “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."
Given proceeded to describe Nancy’s reign as “an absolute holocaust”.
“Nancy took over that week and had an absolute Holocaust in that week," the 49-year-old said. "It was just a nightmare from then on."
Later on in the show, Final Score presenter Jason Mohammed addressed Given's comments.
“A little earlier you may have heard some inappropriate language, so we would like to apologise for any offence caused," he said.
On Saturday evening, Given pledged "to become better educated" after using the Holocaust term. He also pledged to donate his fee from Saturday's show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.
He wrote in a statement: "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."
Given added: "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."
The Holocaust was carried out by Nazi Germany during World War Two and claimed the lives of approximately six million Jews.
Featured Image Credit: BBC SportTopics: Man City, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Premier League, Football
Jack Kenmare