diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/freescale/gianfar.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/freescale/gianfar.c
index 43df788..178e540 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/freescale/gianfar.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/freescale/gianfar.c
@@ -3162,8 +3162,8 @@
 	struct phy_device *phydev = priv->phydev;
 
 	if (unlikely(phydev->link != priv->oldlink ||
-		     phydev->duplex != priv->oldduplex ||
-		     phydev->speed != priv->oldspeed))
+		     (phydev->link && (phydev->duplex != priv->oldduplex ||
+				       phydev->speed != priv->oldspeed))))
 		gfar_update_link_state(priv);
 }