Despite my drive-by, I think we're in agreement - I shouldn't have posted a glib one-liner given the nuances of the situation, I was getting pulled into a meeting and hit 'post' without really thinking about it / developing my thoughts further. That's my bad.
I think the Erdoğan photo is unfortunate at best, and a really poor decision not to decline at worst. Emre Can for instance
declined the invitation - but footballers as you note aren't immune to being put in these situations. Last month in Russia, Mo Salah was put in such a predicament by the Egyptian FA by being forced to noted subhuman
Ramzan Kadyrov. I can see why Özil felt he was under some obligation to take the photo when one (IMO) didn't exist.
Separately, any poor decision by Özil in taking the photo with Erdoğan doesn't remotely excuse the nationalist garbage levied at Özil by German media, nor should it have made Özil the focal point for a disappointing result for the WC campaign... one for which Özil led the tournament with 5.5 chances created / 90.
Overall, while the decision to take the photo / accept the invitation wasn't well thought out IMO, the treatment Özil received in his own country is much more reprehensible, and he should be applauded for his decision.