A controversial decision made in the men's ice hockey event at Sochi has united Russian political figures.

Fyodor Tyutin looked to have given the host nation a late victory against the USA, only for the referee to disallow the goal.

Fans took to social media sites following the game to slam the decision, including those on either side of the political divide.

"The puck was in the goal. What an abomination. Cheating before the whole world! Disgusting!" Alexei Pushkov, a senior pro-Putin member of parliament, tweeted.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Alexei Navalny agreed with Pushkov's comments, tweeting: "I go along with everything that's been said about the referee."

Nikolai Alexeyev, a prominent gay rights activist, was also shocked by the decision, saying: "There's a huge scandal in the hockey tournament. The American referee didn't allow the Russian goal. Damn!"

Team USA went on to win the match on penalty shots following a 2-2 draw, as Russian president Vladimir Putin watched on.