Madonna has appealed for the release of three members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot during a concert in Moscow.

The singer told a crowd at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night that she was praying for the women’s freedom.

She briefly wore a balaclava - in a nod to Pussy Riot’s trademark outfits - and had the group’s name on her back.

Prosecutors have called for the women, who are accused of inciting religious hatred, to be jailed for three years.

Addressing cheering fans at the stadium, Madonna said: “I know there are many sides to every story, and I mean no disrespect to the church or the government, but I think that these three girls - Masha, Katya, Nadya - I think that they have done something courageous.”

“I know that everyone in this auditorium, if you are here as my fan, feels they have the right to be free,” she said.