diff --git a/net/rose/af_rose.c b/net/rose/af_rose.c
index bde7d69b440d..e89563655030 100644
--- a/net/rose/af_rose.c
+++ b/net/rose/af_rose.c
@@ -194,7 +194,8 @@ static void rose_kill_by_device(struct net_device *dev)
 
 		if (rose->device == dev) {
 			rose_disconnect(s, ENETUNREACH, ROSE_OUT_OF_ORDER, 0);
-			rose->neighbour->use--;
+			if (rose->neighbour)
+				rose->neighbour->use--;
 			rose->device = NULL;
 		}
 	}