'They are not illegal immigrants, they're football fans!' Ben Leo and Peter Tatchell in fiery showdown over US boycott: 'Come on!'

The comments come as there has been calls for a global boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have intensified amid anger over the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the expanded use of federal immigration agents.

The tournament, set to be hosted across 11 US cities next summer, has prompted some fans to cancel travel plans, with critics warning the country is no longer safe for visitors.

Speaking on GB News Human rights activist Peter Tatchell said: "Well, I think there is one very good reason to consider a boycott, and that is because I no longer believe travel to the United States is safe and it will not be safe.

"I don’t believe it is safe for the players, the coaches, or the many fans and supporters.

"ICE has snatched foreign citizens off the streets, detained people at airports for no good reason, and even arrested and held individuals who are not illegal migrants. These are innocent people.

"What I’m trying to say is that, given this lawlessness by ICE, and the fact that completely innocent people are being seized and held in detention.

Ben interjected: "But they are not illegal migrants, Peter. They are Scottish football fans watching the game."

Mr Tatchell furiously responded: "Excuse me, you let other guests speak. I’d like to finish.

"What I’m trying to say is that, given this lawlessness by ICE, and the fact that completely innocent people are being snatched and held in detention.

"I don’t think it’s safe for footballers, coaches, managers or fans to go to the United States under these conditions.

"Now, there is a separate issue about whether we should be signalling our disapproval of the extreme right-wing authoritarianism of the Trump regime that is a separate issue.

"But I think solidarity with the American people against what I would describe as a quasi-dictator is morally justified and would be a good thing."

Alex Salmond’s former chief adviser, Christopher McCowney, said: "I’m not planning on sneaking into the US in a whiskey barrel. I’m going to apply for an ESTA, and I’m hopeful it will be granted.

"I’m actually going to fly to Canada and enter via Canada to save some money and support my family.

"I think there’s a totally false equivalence here. I’ve respected you for a long time.

"Over the years, you took a lot of attacks because you were ahead of the curve on things like the minimum wage, which you championed back in the 1980s. But on this, I think you’re plainly wrong.

"There is a football tournament taking place. People from all over the world are going to attend, bringing their cultures to America.

"Surely that can only be a good thing, enriching the country with culture, art and shared experiences that people then take home with them.

"We haven’t had that experience since France in 1998. People have spoken for decades about how special that was.

"I think it would be foolhardy to deprive a new, young generation of people in Scotland of that opportunity."

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