Violence and unrest intensify in Paris, other parts of France ahead of upcoming Steelers-Saints game

Violence and unrest intensified throughout Paris over the weekend, as the National Football League is poised to host its first-ever game in France on Sunday.

At least 1,800 people were arrested after violent groups clashed with law enforcement during nationwide protests over rising living costs and poor school conditions. Paris police said Sunday that 855 people were arrested in the French capital region alone.

Looting and damage reported

"Those who looted will have to pay back for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable," said French President Emmanuel Macron in an address to the nation. 

About 550,000 people took part in protests across France, according to authorities, while organizers counted about 800,000. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said. 

Looting and damage were reported around the Place de la République square, which is located around 5 miles south of the Stade de France.

In Limoges, a city located several hundred miles south of Paris, flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse. Officials said the fire was deliberately set and nearly destroyed the building.

The uptick in violence throughout the country comes as the NFL will be officially expanding its footprint this coming weekend when the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints play the first-ever international game in France. The game is being played at the Stade de France, the nation's largest stadium, located just north of Paris' city center. 

NFL chief spokesperson Brian McCarthy said in a statement last week that the league was continuing forward with its plans for the game, amid the ongoing unrest. 

"As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters," the statement said. "We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month."

In a press conference on Monday, Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said he's "obviously very aware" of the unrest in Paris and has been in contact with the league. 

"We feel like we have a really good plan, we're aware of the situations over there and have a lot of confidence in our plan," he said. 

U.S. State Department issues travel advisory for France

A level 2 travel advisory was issued by the U.S. State Department, recommending increased caution "due to terrorism and unrest." 

The State Department recommends staying alert at tourist locations and crowded public places, avoiding demonstrations and areas with significant police activity and following the instructions of local authorities.

"Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration," the State Department said. 

Travel advisories from the State Department utilize four levels, suggesting exercising normal precautions, exercising increased caution, reconsidering travel, and not traveling, depending on the level of advisory. 

Steelers fans still plan to attend game despite unrest

Some Steelers fans who spoke with KDKA-TV on Monday aren't too concerned about recent unrest.

Seeing the Steelers on a trip to Paris is icing on the cake for Maria and Jerry Dziki, who live in Baltimore. They made sure to get there early on Oct. 5, not changing any plans despite learning about protests turning violent. 

"We had no concerns whatsoever," Jerry said.

It's a place they're familiar with, having traveled there many times before and even living there for two years.

"Any time [the French public] want to get something from the government, they go out and protest, and most of the time, at least in our experience, it's just been nonviolent people getting together, but now and then, these sorts of things happen," Jerry said. 

"Even at this point in time, we're not worried about anything dangerous," Maria said.

After the latest riots, they're still finding signs of damage throughout the city, and overnight curfews have been issued for Monday and Tuesday. 

Otherwise, they said it's business as usual with tourists everywhere.

By this weekend, that will include Vicki O'Grady, who lives in Orlando, and her friend from London, who has never been to a football game.

"As soon as the schedule came out this year, I said I am going to Paris, no matter what. I love Paris, and I love the Steelers and it was a dream come true," O'Grady said.

She's not worried and said nothing will stop her from seeing the black and gold overseas.

"If they cancel the game, I won't go, but other than that, I'm going, and I'll deal with it," O'Grady said.