Is there any room for whining at the Olympics?

After Monday's semi-final loss to the Americans, Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair made comments about the officiating during the game.

She said "the ref decided the result before the game started."

That comment came after an incident during the game, where an indirect free kick was awarded against goalkeeper Erin McLeod for holding the ball too long.

Thousands of people who watched the game agree with Sinclair's assessment.  Certainly around this office they do.

Never mind that Canada wasn't given much chance of winning the game in the first place, or that they still can win a bronze medal; something no one would have believed in the first place.

Many people are defending Sinclair's statement - saying it WAS terrible officiating.  Saying that an investigation by the sport's governing body is unnecessary and adds insult to injury to the Canadian squad.

But is complaining considered to be within the spirit of the games? 

The Olympics are remembered for moments that transcend the sports themselves.

Like the 1968 games when African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists to protest civil rights issues in the U.S.

Or in 1936, when African American sprinter Jesse Owens won gold in Berlin, Germany at the games Hitler wanted to display Aryan ideals and prowess.

As appalling as the officiating may have been Monday, it's all too common among all sports. 

Does that need to change? Absolutely.

I'm just not sure if post-game bitterness is the way to do it.