10/22/2026 12:13:00
Printable Page
10/22 12:09 CDT Steelers fan event in Paris canceled following recent civil
unrest in capital
Steelers fan event in Paris canceled following recent civil unrest in capital
By KEN MAGUIRE
AP Sports Writer
PARIS (AP) --- A weekend event for Pittsburgh Steelers fans in Paris has been
canceled because of security concerns following recent street protests in the
French capital.
The NFL and the team both said Thursday that the event --- at a bar in the
Bastille neighborhood --- was off.
The announcement came a day after league Commissioner Roger Goodell said he has
a high comfort level in the the teams playing in Paris amid recent civil unrest.
More demonstrations could be in store this weekend in the capital and elsewhere
around 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.
"Preparations for Sunday's NFL Paris game at Stade de France continue as
planned," it added, "with the NFL working closely with local authorities and
partners on all operational and security matters."
Nicki Ewell, NFL vice president for global events, said the decision was made
by the club. She told The Associated Press at NFL House on Thursday that the
NFL distributed the message to fans because they worked together to promote the
event.
Ewell added that no NFL fan events have been affected.
An Irish pub called O'Sullivans in the Bastille area had been advertising a
"watch party" for Sunday.
The Steelers, in a statement to AP, said: "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. 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 team's statement added.
On Wednesday, Goodell said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco
Rubio and that officials remain in contact with Parisian and French authorities.
"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."
___
See AP's full NFL coverage here
|
