diff --git a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
index 78cbff7ade..361a15cf5f 100644
--- a/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
+++ b/plugins/elements/gsttee.c
@@ -656,12 +656,15 @@ gst_tee_handle_data (GstTee * tee, gpointer data, gboolean is_list)
       ret = gst_pad_push (pad, GST_BUFFER_CAST (data));
     }
 
-    gst_object_unref (pad);
+    if (GST_TEE_PAD_CAST (pad)->removed)
+      ret = GST_FLOW_NOT_LINKED;
 
     if (ret == GST_FLOW_NOT_LINKED && tee->allow_not_linked) {
       ret = GST_FLOW_OK;
     }
 
+    gst_object_unref (pad);
+
     return ret;
   }