diff --git a/moderation/moderation.py b/moderation/moderation.py
index f7e016d..03636b1 100644
--- a/moderation/moderation.py
+++ b/moderation/moderation.py
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ class Moderation(commands.Cog):
             return connection
         except mysql.connector.ProgrammingError as e:
             logging.fatal("Unable to access the MySQL database!\nError:\n%s", e)
-            return e
+            raise ConnectionRefusedError
 
     async def create_guild_table(self, guild: discord.Guild):
         database = await self.connect()