Former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has issued a public apology after using an inappropriate term during a live BBC broadcast.

The retired footballer was appearing on BBC’s Final Score on Saturday when he described former Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy’s brief spell at the club as an “absolute Holocaust.”

Nancy’s tenure at Celtic lasted just 33 days and included six defeats in eight matches before his dismissal.

Following the backlash Given released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, apologizing for his remarks.

He said he had used a word on live television without fully understanding its meaning and stated he would not use it again.

"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," he said in his statement on X.

"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," the footballer concluded.

BBC Final Score presenter Jason Mohammad also issued his apology on the topic later on admitting that the language used was inappropriate.