NFL proceeds with Paris game despite French street violence

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 18:19 · Archive

The NFL is proceeding with its first game in France, between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers near Paris on 25 October, despite recent street violence across the country.

The NFL is proceeding with its scheduled game between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France near Paris on 25 October, despite violent protests that erupted across France over the weekend. The league said on Sunday that there has been no disruption at its sites due to the protests and that preparations continue as scheduled. An NFL spokesman told The Daily Mail that the league continues to work closely with local authorities and partners on operational and security matters, and is providing both clubs with regular updates.

Street violence erupted across France on Saturday when protests devolved into clashes between masked groups and police, with looting and fires reported. Reports cited arrests climbing from 1,000 to 1,800, including 855 in the Paris region. Fox News reported that historic buildings including the city hall in Limoges were set on fire during the unrest.

The Saints' executive Greg Bensel issued a statement on Sunday saying the team concurs with the NFL's decision and is planning to play the game, while maintaining daily security updates with French security partners. The Saints are planning to fly out for France after their game against the New York Giants on 18 October, while the Steelers plan to arrive on Friday. Fox News reported that an NFL source said the league has no current plan to move the game, but that position could change if events warrant playing in a different venue.

How it is being reported

• NFL plows on with international game in Paris despite bloody violence and protests days out from players' arrivalThe NFL is proceeding with plans to play a game just north of Paris on October 25 despite the ongoing protests that have rocked the country in recent days.Daily Mail Sport · 18 Oct, 18:03
• NFL monitors France street violence before Saints-Steelers game near Paris with a major decision loomingThe NFL is monitoring street violence across France ahead of the New Orleans Saints vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game at Stade de France in Paris.Fox News · 18 Oct, 15:12

In this story: New Orleans Saints · Pittsburgh Steelers · Stade de France · Paris · France · NFL

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