Vladimir Putin banged in eight goals during an exhibition ice hockey game in Sochi, only to trip and fall over as he waved to the crowd.

The Russian president took to the ice as part of a “legends” team alongside hockey stars such as Slava Fetisov and Pavel Bure in what has become an annual tradition.

Mr Putin was the game’s highest scorer as his team triumphed 14-7 over an opposing team of high-profile amateurs.

Yet video footage captured the moment the president stumbled and face-planted onto the ice while enjoying his victory lap.

Two of his team mates rushed over to help Mr Putin – who appeared to trip over a red carpet placed on the ice for post-match celebrations – but he got to his feet again without much assistance.

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Although Mr Putin joined former NHL stars on the legends side, the opposing team was made up of fellow amateurs.

The losing team including the president’s childhood friend, tycoon Gennady Timchenko, billionaire Vladimir Potanin and several Russian governors.

One of Mr Putin’s teammates, the defence minister Sergei Shoigu, reportedly scored three goals at the Night Hockey League exhibition match.