diff --git a/src/exabgp/reactor/network/outgoing.py b/src/exabgp/reactor/network/outgoing.py
index 4209ce563..894ad6880 100644
--- a/src/exabgp/reactor/network/outgoing.py
+++ b/src/exabgp/reactor/network/outgoing.py
@@ -54,6 +54,8 @@ def _connect(self):
             connect(self.io, self.peer, self.port, self.afi, self.md5)
             return None
         except Exception as exc:
+            self.io.close()
+            self.io = None
             return exc
 
     def establish(self):