Former England striker Carlton Cole has apologized after likening the possibility of West Ham’s heavy loss to Manchester City to “a Holocaust”.
Cole made the comment on BBC Radio 5 Live in preparation for Sunday’s Premier League game at the Etihad.
The former West Ham and Chelsea striker later apologized for his remarks on the same show.
“I would like to apologize to listeners for a totally unacceptable phrase I used earlier,” he said.
“I’m sorry if I offended someone, really and really. Sorry.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “An unacceptable reference was used during the Premier League on Sunday and 5 Live apologized for it on air during the show.”
The Holocaust, perpetrated by Nazi Germany during World War II, claimed the lives of approximately six million Jews.
When asked if West Ham boss David Moyes had chosen a defensive side against the Premier League champions, Cole replied: “You can tell he’s gotten a little negative. Why not?
“You have to give Man City a little respect or else you are going to be chosen.
“Otherwise, it will be a Holocaust and you don’t want that.” “
Cole’s comments came on the first day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
Last month, the director of Bristol Rovers Joey Barton apologized after comparing a poor performance of his Ligue 2 team to the Holocaust.
