diff --git a/src/conn.cpp b/src/conn.cpp
index 7b17afc..77cbea3 100644
--- a/src/conn.cpp
+++ b/src/conn.cpp
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ void ConnBase::bevRead()
 
         if(header[0]!=0xca || header[1]==0
                 || (isClient ^ !!(header[2]&pva_flags::Server))) {
-            log_hex_printf(connio, Level::Err, header, sizeof(header),
+            log_hex_printf(connio, Level::Crit, header, sizeof(header),
                            "%s %s Protocol decode fault.  Force disconnect.\n", peerLabel(), peerName.c_str());
             bev.reset();
             break;