diff --git a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SpectatorPlayer.cs b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SpectatorPlayer.cs
index 910a4aef65..3177562133 100644
--- a/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SpectatorPlayer.cs
+++ b/osu.Game/Screens/Play/SpectatorPlayer.cs
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ namespace osu.Game.Screens.Play
         [BackgroundDependencyLoader]
         private void load()
         {
-            if (ShowSettingsOverlay)
+            if (ShowSettingsOverlay && GameplayClockContainer != null)
             {
                 var replayOverlay = new ReplayOverlay();
                 GameplayClockContainer.Add(replayOverlay);