PARIS: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Friday he expects the NFL Paris game to proceed despite recent protests, arguing the league would cancel it if officials considered conditions unsafe.
The Steelers face the New Orleans Saints at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, on Sunday. Rodgers, a four-time National Football League (NFL) MVP, said he believed the league was closely monitoring developments in the French capital.
“If it was unsafe, then I’m sure we wouldn’t be here,” he told reporters. France has faced widespread demonstrations, with further protests planned for Saturday.
President Emmanuel Macron tightened protest restrictions on Thursday after unrest the previous weekend. Security concerns have already affected activities surrounding the fixture.
The Steelers cancelled a planned fan event in the Bastille neighbourhood, while the NFL said its Paris pop-up store would remain closed on Saturday.
Read: France Protests Draw 70,000 Police Nationwide on Saturday
The US State Department issued a security alert urging Americans to avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest. It specifically advised visitors attending Sunday’s game to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings.
Weather has disrupted preparations as well. Wind and rain forced Pittsburgh to cancel a Friday training session at Stade de France.
Read: Alcaraz Stunned by Norrie in Paris Masters Shocker, World No. 1 Ranking Under Threat
The NFL also shut down a separate fan event early due to adverse weather. The Saints have been practising in Versailles since arriving in France on Monday. Sunday’s Steelers-Saints fixture remains scheduled for Stade de France.
