Steelers Fan Event in Paris Canceled Amid Civil Unrest
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL canceled a planned Steelers fan event in Paris on Thursday as a precautionary measure, citing recent disruptions amid civil unrest in France. The league says Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints is still scheduled to be played as planned.
The canceled event, known as a "Steelers House," was set to be held at a bar in the Bastille neighborhood. In its statement, the team said the area "has experienced recent disruptions." According to the Associated Press, the NFL told fans that after careful consideration it was not appropriate to move forward with the event. NFL vice president for global events Nicki Ewell said the club made the decision and that the league sent the message to fans because the two had worked together to promote the event. Ewell also said no other NFL fan events have been affected.
NFL Game to Continue
The NFL says preparations for the game at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, "continue as planned," and that the league is working closely with local authorities and partners on operational and security matters. The league added that there have been no disruptions or impacts at NFL sites.
The cancellation comes after a wave of unrest across France. Weekend protests over the cost of living turned into rioting and looting, with authorities extending curfews and increasing police presence. More demonstrations are possible this weekend in Paris and elsewhere in the country, according to AP. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a large police deployment, CBS News Pittsburgh reported. The U.S. State Department has urged increased caution for travelers in France.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in contact with French authorities. A day before the cancellation, Goodell said he had a high comfort level with playing the game in Paris and noted that protests are not unusual in France.
Some Steelers fans traveling to the game are reconsidering their plans, CBS News Pittsburgh reported, while others said they would not change course. The sources reviewed did not address refunds or other guidance for fans with reservations at the canceled event.
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