diff --git a/core/src/mindustry/core/NetClient.java b/core/src/mindustry/core/NetClient.java
index 2433da07a4..e307c2f5a0 100644
--- a/core/src/mindustry/core/NetClient.java
+++ b/core/src/mindustry/core/NetClient.java
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ public class NetClient implements ApplicationListener{
     public static void sendChatMessage(Player player, String message){
 
         //do not receive chat messages from clients that are too young or not registered
-        if(net.server() && player != null && (Time.timeSinceMillis(player.con.connectTime) < 500 || !player.con.hasConnected || !player.isAdded())) return;
+        if(net.server() && player != null && player.con != null && (Time.timeSinceMillis(player.con.connectTime) < 500 || !player.con.hasConnected || !player.isAdded())) return;
 
         if(message.length() > maxTextLength){
             throw new ValidateException(player, "Player has sent a message above the text limit.");