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The Pittsburgh Steelerswill no longer hold their planned Steelers House gathering in Paris this weekend after recent protests prompted security concerns around the event’s location.
Pittsburgh canceled the fan gathering at a bar in the Bastille neighborhood ahead of its Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The decision affects the team-sponsored event but does not change plans for Sunday’s game at Stade de France.
“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,” a message sent to fans read, according to The Associated Press.
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The Steelers described the decision as a precaution after the Bastille area experienced recent disruptions. Additional demonstrations could also take place in Paris and other areas of France over the weekend.
The NFL’s broader activities in the city have continued without interruption. Nicki Ewell, the league’s vice president for global events, told the AP that Pittsburgh made the call to cancel Steelers House. The NFL helped distribute the announcement after previously working with the team to promote the gathering.
Ewell said other NFL fan events have not been affected.
An Irish pub called O’Sullivans in the Bastille area had also advertised a watch party for Sunday’s Steelers-Saints matchup.
Roger Goodell addresses security ahead of Steelers’ Paris clash
The Steelers reiterated that the league continues to coordinate with local officials as preparations for the game continue.
“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 AP. “As stated by the NFL, there have been no disruptions or impacts at League sites.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the unrest Wednesday and expressed confidence that the league has taken the necessary precautions for its Paris game.
Goodell said he spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while officials have remained in communication with authorities in Paris and throughout France.
“We’ve made all the preparations,” Goodell said. “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.”
The cancellation therefore remains limited to Pittsburgh’s designated Bastille bar event rather than Sunday’s game.
The Steelers enter Week 7 at 4-2, while the Saints sit at 2-4. Pittsburgh and New Orleans will meet Sunday at Stade de France, with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network.
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