diff --git a/code/modules/awaymissions/capture_the_flag.dm b/code/modules/awaymissions/capture_the_flag.dm
index 79b6c1d43e4..86d08ebf1f8 100644
--- a/code/modules/awaymissions/capture_the_flag.dm
+++ b/code/modules/awaymissions/capture_the_flag.dm
@@ -193,7 +193,7 @@
 /obj/machinery/capture_the_flag/attack_ghost(mob/user)
 	if(ctf_enabled == FALSE)
 		return
-	if(ticker.current_state != GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
+	if(ticker.current_state < GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
 		return
 	if(user.ckey in team_members)
 		if(user.ckey in recently_dead_ckeys)