diff --git a/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_finality_update_verification.rs b/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_finality_update_verification.rs
index 0d5a5425d5..fe62b8ef90 100644
--- a/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_finality_update_verification.rs
+++ b/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_finality_update_verification.rs
@@ -116,7 +116,13 @@ impl<T: BeaconChainTypes> VerifiedLightClientFinalityUpdate<T> {
         // Verify that the gossiped finality update is the same as the locally constructed one.
         if latest_finality_update != rcv_finality_update {
             let signature_slot = latest_finality_update.signature_slot();
+
             if signature_slot != rcv_finality_update.signature_slot() {
+                // The locally constructed finality update is not up to date, probably
+                // because the node has fallen behind and needs to sync.
+                if rcv_finality_update.signature_slot() > signature_slot {
+                    return Err(Error::Ignore);
+                }
                 return Err(Error::MismatchedSignatureSlot {
                     local: signature_slot,
                     observed: rcv_finality_update.signature_slot(),
diff --git a/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_optimistic_update_verification.rs b/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_optimistic_update_verification.rs
index 4da6913443..b59390ea0c 100644
--- a/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_optimistic_update_verification.rs
+++ b/beacon_node/beacon_chain/src/light_client_optimistic_update_verification.rs
@@ -118,6 +118,11 @@ impl<T: BeaconChainTypes> VerifiedLightClientOptimisticUpdate<T> {
         if latest_optimistic_update != rcv_optimistic_update {
             let signature_slot = latest_optimistic_update.signature_slot();
             if signature_slot != rcv_optimistic_update.signature_slot() {
+                // The locally constructed optimistic update is not up to date, probably
+                // because the node has fallen behind and needs to sync.
+                if rcv_optimistic_update.signature_slot() > signature_slot {
+                    return Err(Error::Ignore);
+                }
                 return Err(Error::MismatchedSignatureSlot {
                     local: signature_slot,
                     observed: rcv_optimistic_update.signature_slot(),