Did Apologies for the Holocaust Remark Go Far Enough?

Shay Given has faced backlash after using the term "absolute Holocaust" to describe Wilfried Nancy's short managerial stint at Celtic, prompting an unreserved apology for his insensitive comments. Given, a former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, acknowledged his ignorance regarding the term's historical significance and committed to educating himself further.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Shay Given's remarks on the BBC show Final Score have sparked controversy, leading to widespread condemnation. The former goalkeeper's choice of words in discussing the sacking of Wilfried Nancy, who managed Celtic for just 33 days, was deemed deeply inappropriate, drawing attention to the need for sensitivity when discussing historical tragedies. Given has since expressed his regret and pledged to donate his fee from the show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.

Key takeaways

Shay Given used insensitive language on air, referring to Wilfried Nancy's managerial tenure as an "absolute Holocaust".
He has since apologised unreservedly, acknowledging his ignorance of the term's historical significance.
Nancy's time at Celtic was notably short, lasting only 33 days and marking the shortest managerial reign in the club's history.

Timeline: how we got here

The events surrounding Shay Given's comments and Wilfried Nancy's sacking unfolded as follows:

1 October 2023: Celtic appoint Wilfried Nancy as manager.
7 October 2023: Nancy's first match ends in defeat, setting the tone for a challenging tenure.
21 October 2023: Nancy is sacked after Celtic's 3-1 loss to Rangers, marking six defeats in eight matches.
25 October 2023: Shay Given makes controversial comments during the BBC's Final Score, leading to public outrage.
25 October 2023: Given issues an apology and pledges to donate his fee to the Holocaust Educational Trust.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Shay Given's public apology and commitment to donate his broadcasting fee are recent developments. His statements have ignited discussions about language sensitivity in sports commentary.

What was already established

Wilfried Nancy's time at Celtic was already marked by struggles, with the team performing poorly under his management, which ultimately led to his dismissal. The historical context of the Holocaust remains a crucial aspect of discussions surrounding language and sensitivity.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The incident has repercussions for viewers and listeners, who may feel more sensitive about the language used in media. It highlights the need for responsible commentary, especially in a multicultural society where historical tragedies should be approached with sensitivity.

Businesses and jobs

In the wake of this incident, media organisations may face pressure to enforce stricter guidelines on language and conduct among their presenters and commentators, impacting hiring and training practices within the industry.

Policy and regulation

The BBC, as a public broadcaster, may review its editorial policies regarding language use in sports commentary, reinforcing the importance of cultural sensitivity among its presenters.

Numbers that matter

33 days: The duration of Wilfried Nancy's managerial reign at Celtic, making it the shortest in the club's history.
6: The number of losses Nancy experienced out of 8 games during his short tenure.
£: Given's commitment to donate his fee for the show; the exact amount may vary based on contractual agreements.

Definitions and jargon buster

Holocaust: The genocide of approximately six million Jews and millions of others by Nazi Germany during World War II.
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation, a public service broadcaster in the UK.
Commentary: The act of providing a live account or analysis of an event, particularly in sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect media outlets to review their language policies and possibly implement training sessions on cultural sensitivity for their presenters and commentators.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Continued discussions around language use in sports commentary may prompt broader industry changes, with a focus on education about historical contexts and the importance of respectful dialogue.

Signals to watch

Changes in BBC's editorial policies regarding language use.
Public reactions to future commentary incidents.
Potential discussions or workshops on cultural sensitivity within media organisations.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage in discussions about the importance of cultural sensitivity in language.
Educate yourself on historical events and their implications for modern discourse.

Don’t

Use terms that may inadvertently trivialise historical tragedies.
Ignore the impact of language on diverse audiences.

Checklist

Review the language used in communications for sensitivity.
Attend workshops on cultural awareness if available.
Stay informed about historical contexts relevant to current events.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Given's apology is a step towards accountability, it highlights the ongoing need for education regarding the implications of language. The potential for future incidents remains as commentary evolves in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. Sensitivity to historical context is essential to avoid misunderstandings and potential backlash.

Bottom line

Shay Given's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful language in sports commentary. As discussions around cultural sensitivity continue, it is crucial for commentators and organisations to learn from these incidents to foster a more respectful and informed dialogue in the future.

FAQs

What did Shay Given say about Wilfried Nancy?

Shay Given described Wilfried Nancy's short managerial tenure at Celtic as an "absolute Holocaust," leading to widespread criticism and his subsequent apology.

What has Shay Given done after his comments?

Given has apologised unreservedly for his remarks and pledged to donate his fee from the BBC show to the Holocaust Educational Trust.

What was Wilfried Nancy's record at Celtic?

Wilfried Nancy managed Celtic for 33 days, during which he suffered six losses in eight matches before being sacked.