NFL cancels Steelers fan event in Paris due to security concerns

The National Football League and the Pittsburgh Steelers said on Thursday that a fan event scheduled for a bar in Paris' Bastille neighborhood has been cancelled because of security concerns linked to recent street protests in the French capital. The decision follows a statement from league commissioner Roger Goodell, who said he remains comfortable with the teams playing in Paris despite the unrest, and noted that additional demonstrations could occur over the weekend.

"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 to fans read. The announcement added that preparations for Sunday's NFL game at Stade de France will continue as planned, with the league working closely with local authorities on operational and security matters.

Nicki Ewell, the NFL's vice president for global events, told the Associated Press that the club made the decision and that the league distributed the notice to fans after coordinating the promotion of the event. She said no other NFL fan events have been affected.

The Steelers issued a statement confirming the cancellation, describing the Bastille area as having experienced recent disruptions and emphasizing that the league is cooperating with French authorities. Goodell also said he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and that officials remain in contact with Parisian and French officials.

Despite the fan gathering's cancellation, an Irish pub in the area continues to advertise a watch party for the game, and the NFL says all preparations for the match are proceeding.