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Mesut Ozil's treatment by the Germany national football federation has been condemned and called "unacceptable" by Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Ozil, 29, withdrew from international football and said that "racism and disrespect" directed towards himself and his family was a major factor behind his decision.

The Arsenal playmaker felt he was made a scapegoat for Germany's poor showing at the World Cup in Russia after a meeting with Erdogan in London.

"Such racist treatment towards a young man who has given his all to the German national team for his religious beliefs is unacceptable," Erdogan told reporters in parliament on Tuesday.

"Furthermore, how do you explain being unable to tolerate Mesut, Ilkay [Gundogan] and Cenk Tosun taking a photograph in London out of respect of their Turkish roots?

"There are some that could not stomach this, but there are established, responsible politicians who are standing with Mesut."

A picture of Mesut Ozil and Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is erected in Ozil's hometown of Devrek. Photo by Gokhan Yilmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Ozil, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Everton striker Cenk Tosun met Erdogan during the Turkish presidents three-day trip to England.

All three players born in Germany of Turkish descent presented Erdogan with a shirt from their respective club.

The row has now spilled over to the Turkish town, Devrek, where Ozil's family originate from.

Authorities in the town have removed a street sign on "Mesut Ozil Avenue' of the playmaker wearing a Germany national team jersey.

The photograph which initially sparked the controversy featuring Ozil and Erdogan has been erected in its place.

Source: espn.co.uk

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