diff --git a/src/db.py b/src/db.py
index d313b6c..1f097b6 100644
--- a/src/db.py
+++ b/src/db.py
@@ -703,7 +703,9 @@ def get_pre_restart_state():
             players = []
         else:
             c.execute("UPDATE pre_restart_state SET players=NULL")
-            players = players[0].split()
+            players = players[0]
+            if players is not None:
+                players = players.split()
     return players
 
 def set_pre_restart_state(players):