See more of our coverage in your search results.
A Steelers fan event scheduled for Sunday in Paris has been canceled due to security concerns.
Both the NFL and team stated that the event is off. It was set to take place at a bar in the Bastille neighborhood.
Preparations for Sunday’s game between the Steelers and Saints at Stade de France are set to “continue as planned,” a message that was sent to fans read, per ESPN.
“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,” it added.
Violent protests have taken over the city over the past month, calling out the cost of living, the poor conditions across schools and universities, teacher shortages and lack of funding.
The decision over the fan event was made by the Steelers, NFL vice president of global events Nicki Ewell said. She added no NFL fan events have been affected from the decision.
“The NFL, as they do for every game, including international games, is working closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters,” the Steelers said in a statement to the Associated Press. “As stated by the NFL, there have been no disruptions or impacts at League sites.
“As a precautionary measure, the Steelers designated bar that had been planned in Bastille — an area that has experienced recent disruptions — will not proceed.”
The decision comes after the NFL stated that preparations were being taken to ensure safety and security at the international game.
“We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matter,” the league said, according to Adam Schefter. “We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.”
“We’ve made all the preparations,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell added Wednesday. “Protests are not unusual in France, as you know, and that’s something that we will be aware of and make sure that the appropriate arrangements are made.”
Over 500,000 people took to the streets over the weekend and some protests led to fires and the looting and vandalizing of businesses, and attacking of police officers.
Steelers linebacker TJ Watt’s wife, Dani, has not been able to make sense of the decision by the league, revealing as much on social media.
“The NFL says it is continuing forward with plans for the upcoming Steelers-Saints game amid unrest in Paris. Tell me how this makes sense???” she questioned this week.
Goodell added he has been in contact with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in touch with Parisian and French authorities.
Kickoff for the game is set for 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.