Paralympics fans learn when to be silent and when to make noise at sports for the visually impaired

PARIS (AP) — A soft voice from the loudspeaker reminds the restless crowd: “Shhh. Shhh.”

The whistle blows.

Suddenly, spectators fall silent and even the slightest noise echoes through the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Fans pack the stadium, but at times, it is hard to tell. This type of ambiance is unthinkable in most sports venues, but especially in a sport like soccer, whose fans are perhaps best known for rowdiness.

But this isn’t ordinary soccer. This is blind football, one of two silent sports at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.