Russia has joined South Korea in the condemnation of referees at the Winter Olympics ... threatening to pull out of the remaining games. Russia lodged d bitter protest saying favoritism has plunged the Salt Lake Winter Games into controversy once again with only three days to go before the closing ceremony. Russian Olympic officials are upset over the disqualification of a cross country skier and still smarting over the pairs skating controversy. They threatened to go home and said they might not compete in the Athens Games if their concerns are not addressed. The Russian men's hockey team is scheduled to play the United States in the semifinals on Friday, and a 30-kilometer women's cross-country event is set for Sunday. After meeting with the Russian Olympic Committee president, I-O-C president Jacques Rogge sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to assure him the games were fair and that his nation's anger was understood. I-O-C leadership met Thursday night in a special session to discuss the issues raised by South Korea and Russia.