diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
index 770391cefb4e..d293c996252c 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/realtek/r8169_main.c
@@ -4656,7 +4656,7 @@ static int rtl8169_close(struct net_device *dev)
 	rtl8169_down(tp);
 	rtl8169_rx_clear(tp);
 
-	cancel_work_sync(&tp->wk.work);
+	cancel_work(&tp->wk.work);
 
 	free_irq(tp->irq, tp);
 
@@ -4890,6 +4890,8 @@ static void rtl_remove_one(struct pci_dev *pdev)
 	if (pci_dev_run_wake(pdev))
 		pm_runtime_get_noresume(&pdev->dev);
 
+	cancel_work_sync(&tp->wk.work);
+
 	unregister_netdev(tp->dev);
 
 	if (tp->dash_type != RTL_DASH_NONE)