NFL’s Paris Game Set to Proceed Despite Saturday Protests
The Saints and Steelers are set to play at Stade de France in Paris.
As widespread protests swept across France on Saturday, reports emerged of clashes between demonstrators and police in the capital city of Paris. Despite the unrest, the NFL maintained its plan to host Sunday's highly anticipated Saints-Steelers game at the Stade de France. Police made nearly 1,000 arrests and over 400,000 people across the country participated in the demonstrations, which initially started peacefully before turning violent.
The NFL's Twitter/X account displayed Steelers fans waving gold-colored Terrible Towels near the Eiffel Tower, and Saints fans enthusiastically chanting the team's signature "Who Dat?" The Saints postponed their Saints House event until Sunday, while the NFL House was closed on Saturday. The Steelers had previously canceled their Steelers House fan event.
Protests were reported to be far from the game venue on Rue Cambon, with the area described as "quiet" by 5:45 pm local time. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed high confidence in the league's ability to proceed with the game, noting that preparations had been made, and that they had been in contact with local authorities.
The NFL's EVP of club business, major events, and international, Peter O'Reilly, stated that the league would have a heightened security presence around the game and related events. The league and its teams met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday to "discuss Sunday's game and the long-term future of the NFL in France."
U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, expressing concern but acknowledging that the NFL's decision was theirs to make. This sixth of nine international games is part of the NFL's season schedule in France.
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