NFL overcomes civil unrest, Trump concerns and calls to postpone as Steelers and Saints kick off in Paris
Developed over time first seen 2 hours ago
The NFL’s first regular-season game in France went ahead in Paris on Sunday, despite widespread unrest the previous day and calls to postpone or relocate it. The decision mattered because it tested the league’s security planning and its commitment to a major international fixture amid public concern.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints kicked off at around 3.30 pm local time at the Stade de France, with a near-capacity crowd and a heightened security presence. French officials estimated that 110,000 people had joined Saturday’s protests, which led to the cancellation of NFL fan events; Paris Saint-Germain also moved its football match to Monday. NFL leaders said they had contingency plans and had consulted US and French authorities, while President Donald Trump said he was worried and thought postponement was possible.
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In short
- The NFL’s first regular-season game in France went ahead in Paris.
- Saturday’s unrest led to fan events being cancelled.
- The Saints and Steelers played amid heightened security.
How this story developed
- 17 minutes ago The NFL’s first regular-season game in France went ahead in Paris on Sunday, despite widespread unrest the previous day and calls to postpone or relocate it.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Proceeding honoured a major international commitment and let supporters attend a fixture that could bring cultural and economic benefits to Paris. The NFL said it had contingency plans and had consulted French and US authorities, and the heightened security presence suggests organisers judged the event manageable despite the unrest.
The case against
Postponing or relocating the game could have been the more prudent choice after large protests led to other public events being cancelled or moved. Even with extra security and contingency plans, holding a near-capacity event amid public concern could have added pressure to an already strained security situation and put spectators and staff at avoidable risk.
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