The NFL has started changing its plans ahead of Sunday’s game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers due to the violent protests in France.
The Steelers announced Thursday that they canceled a fan event this week.
Sunday’s matchup at the Stade de France will be the first NFL game in Paris.
People were interested in these podcasts
Continued unrest due to the rising cost of living and what many see as a cultural clash has complicated the festivities.
“Following recent events in the Bastille neighborhood, and after careful consideration, we felt it appropriate not to move forward with the planned Steelers House fan event in Paris,” the Steelers said in a statement. “Preparations for Sunday’s NFL Paris game at Stade de France continue as planned, with the NFL working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters.”
The Steelers’ players and coaches are scheduled to fly to Paris on Thursday.
The Saints, who are the designated home team for the event, have spent the week practicing in France. They flew directly across the Atlantic Ocean after Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.
The Steelers-Saints game is scheduled to kick off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time Sunday.
Contact the author
Please read our comment policy before commenting.