diff --git a/code/modules/mob/new_player/new_player.dm b/code/modules/mob/new_player/new_player.dm
index 43fa786aa3c..41348f2b5fa 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/new_player/new_player.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/new_player/new_player.dm
@@ -148,7 +148,7 @@
 
 		if(href_list["late_join"])
 			if(!ticker || ticker.current_state != GAME_STATE_PLAYING)
-				usr << "/red The round is either not ready, or has already finished..."
+				usr << "\red The round is either not ready, or has already finished..."
 				return
 			LateChoices()