Perry Groves: Ex-Arsenal midfielder apologises after claiming Mat Ryan had ‘a Holocaust of a game’

The talkSPORT pundit caused offence when commenting on Brighton goalkeeper’s performance against Sheffield United

Perry Groves caused offence with his remarks on talkSPORT (Getty)

Perry Groves has issued an apology after claiming live on national radio that Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan had “a Holocaust of a game” against Sheffield United.

The talkSPORT pundit made the comment to co-host Max Rushden on Sunday during The Warm Up show when discussing the Blades’ 1-0 win.

But after upsetting listeners with his crass remark, the former Arsenal midfielder took steps to apologise live on air.

“I’d just like to sincerely apologise for my misuse of words earlier,” said the 54-year-old.

“I didn’t mean to offend anybody and if I have offended anybody I’m truly, genuinely sorry and that is from my heart.”

Mat Ryan endured a tough afternoon against Sheffield United (Getty)

Listener Joseph Reiselson, 72, called up to complain about Groves's comments.

“I’d tuned into the radio show just past 11 as I was waiting to pick up a fare," Mr Reiselson said.

“They were talking about one of the games that went on the day before, and I couldn’t believe it when Perry described a player as having ‘a Holocaust of a game’.

“I was in total shock – he could have used any words, anything else to describe the performance, but to use those words is just disgusting.

“I lost half of my family to the Holocaust and it really upset and angered me hearing him use those comments to describe a football game of all things.

“I phoned up to complain immediately and the man at TalkSport who spoke to me said that I wasn’t the only one to call up about his comments.

“Groves should never ever be back on a sports show ever again and yet nobody at TalkSport has phoned me back like they said they would and he’s due on the radio later today! It’s disgraceful and he shouldn’t be allowed on.”