The United States has warned its citizens in France to avoid demonstrations, large crowds and areas experiencing unrest ahead of the NFL Paris Game scheduled for October 25, citing recent violence, property damage and clashes between protesters and police.
The game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints is scheduled to take place at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris. It is the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
In a security alert, the US State Department’s TravelGov account said demonstrations and riots linked to ongoing protests had recently occurred in France and could continue over the weekend. Americans attending the game have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid areas with a significant police presence.
Several groups have reportedly planned demonstrations for October 24. French authorities have indicated that they will restrict protests deemed unauthorised, while permitted demonstrations, including those organised by trade unions, may proceed.
The warning comes after the NFL cancelled a fan event involving Steelers supporters amid security concerns.
US Warns of Violence and Looting
The US government said recent demonstrations in France had involved property damage, looting and attacks on police officers. Authorities responded with crowd-control measures, including the use of tear gas.
The security alert urged Americans to avoid protest sites even when demonstrations appear to follow authorised routes. It also warned that protest locations and routes could change at short notice, potentially affecting nearby areas.
The advisory did not identify any specific threat against the NFL game or its attendees. Instead, it highlighted the broader security situation and urged US citizens to exercise caution while travelling in the region.
Planned Demonstrations and Possible Curfews
The alert also referred to planned marches and demonstrations in Orléans, where protests were expected on October 24 and 25.
Authorities may maintain or introduce curfews in parts of France, including certain neighbourhoods in Paris and surrounding areas. Such restrictions are determined locally and can be announced at short notice, potentially affecting public gatherings and movement.
The US government advised its citizens to monitor local announcements and security updates, particularly around crowded areas and locations where police are deployed.
Guidance for Americans Attending the Game
US citizens travelling to Paris for Sunday’s match have been advised to avoid demonstrations, monitor their surroundings and prepare for possible changes to protest routes, crowd-control operations and local movement restrictions.
The advisory did not announce any cancellation or postponement of the NFL game, nor did it indicate that the event itself was a target of the demonstrations.
Americans can consult the US Embassy in France’s official website for the latest security alerts and travel guidance.
