NFL Proceeds With Paris Game Amid French Riots

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The NFL has confirmed that its game in Paris will proceed as planned despite violent riots and social unrest sweeping across the country. The match, set for Sunday, October 25, will feature the New Orleans Saints against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Stade de France.

League Confirms Game Proceeds

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Saints are scheduled to leave for Paris within the next 24 hours, with the game remaining on the calendar. The NFL issued a statement affirming that preparations for the event are continuing as planned, with the league working closely with local authorities and partners on operational and security matters.

“Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” the NFL’s statement said. “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.”

Saints Confirm Game Will Happen

The New Orleans Saints also released a statement, reiterating their commitment to the game. Greg Bensel, the team’s senior vice president of communications, said, “We concur with the NFL’s statement and are planning to play the game.” He added that the team has been in constant communication with security partners in France and that there has been no disruption at any team sites.

Protests Escalate Into Violence

The protests, which initially began over school conditions and rising living costs, have since turned into violent riots across France. Palestinian flags have been seen at several demonstrations, with some reports indicating that Jewish-owned businesses in Marseille were targeted. French journalist Paul Amar claimed that rioters had the addresses of Jewish shop owners, and that every Jewish-owned business on one street was torched while Muslim-owned shops nearby were spared. However, the Jerusalem Post reported that while some Jewish-owned businesses were damaged, there was no evidence they had been singled out.

The worst destruction occurred in Limoges, where a masked gang set a police car on fire outside the city’s historic town hall. The building, dating back to 1883 and a protected monument since 1975, suffered severe damage as flames spread to the roof and eventually caused the bell tower to collapse.

Source: Daily Wire