NFL Game in Paris Proceeds Despite Paris Riots
NFL confirms Week 7 game between Steelers and Saints in Paris will go ahead despite ongoing riots and protests in France.
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The NFL has confirmed that the Week 7 contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, set for October 25 in Paris, France, will proceed as scheduled despite ongoing riots and protests across the country. The game, which will be held at the Stade de France, is the first-ever NFL match to take place in France.
Preparations Continue Amid Violence
“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” said the NFL in a statement, per ESPN. “We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
The current scene in Paris. The Steelers and Saints will play there in 7 days. https://t.co/hfpgnoTU20
New Orleans is preparing to travel to Paris immediately following their Sunday contest against the New York Giants, which will be played in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For the Steelers, they’re planning on practicing in Pittsburgh, and then leaving Thursday for France.
Police have arrested around 1,800 people throughout France following violent groups clashing with officers and looting stores during national demonstrations. The protests, which have escalated into riots, brought out hundreds of thousands of people who expressed their displeasure with rising costs and poor school conditions.
According to authorities, masked groups started fires and launched attacks against public buildings, which include city halls, in numerous cities across the country Saturday.
Team and NFL Confidence in Event Security
Greg Bensel, a spokesman for the Saints, stated that the franchise is in agreement with the statement from the NFL and is preparing to play. “In addition to working closely with the NFL, we have also maintained daily security updates with our security partners in France,” said Bensel. “Members of our football operations staff and internal security team have been on the ground in France for the past few days and there has been no disruption or impact at any of our team sites.”
The current scene in Paris. The Steelers and Saints will play there in 7 days. https://t.co/hfpgnoTU20
The NFL’s commitment to the event underscores its confidence in the security arrangements and cooperation with French authorities. While the protests have caused significant unrest, the league remains focused on delivering the game as planned.
Source: Daily Caller
