diff --git a/evennia/server/portal/irc.py b/evennia/server/portal/irc.py
index b00b31c1f1..4036e1cf7c 100644
--- a/evennia/server/portal/irc.py
+++ b/evennia/server/portal/irc.py
@@ -313,7 +313,7 @@ class IRCBotFactory(protocol.ReconnectingClientFactory):
             reason (str): The reason for the failure.
 
         """
-        if not (self.bot or self.bot.stopping):
+        if not self.bot or (self.bot and self.bot.stopping):
             self.retry(connector)
 
     def start(self):