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I don't like using sports to make political statements. One of the virtues of sport is it's ability to put aside the politics and allow countries to interact/compete on positive terms.

Alas, since sporting events often do become infused with nationalism and athletes are not just representing themselves but also a country, that ideal is beyond reach.
In something like the Olympics or World Cup, we don't have a gathering of individuals from across the world. They are explicitly grouped by national representation. As long as that is the case, taking political action is valid. You can't let countries just have the good parts of representation without consequences for the bad stuff.

If flags/countries are banned from sports, it needs to be done consistently and not just for western interests. Eg. Why wasn't the US flag banned during the invasion of Iraq or Afghanistan?

I mean, the only reason Russia tended to be flagless had nothing to do with overall geopolitics and a lot to do with them specifically cheating at the sports. But generally countries simply apply their pressure and organizing committees act in their own self-interest. Why "Chinese Taipei"? Because the committee found it more beneficial to kowtow to China for their support than to stand against their draconian politics.
Was there any serious pressure to stop US representation? Apparently not enough.
In russia there's no neutrality in anything. Especially in sports, as it always has been their propaganda tool. >

Indeed! Any participation of Russia in competitions has been used by Putin to push their propaganda further. 
Also, as far as i know, participation of russians in big competitions, sports or not, is very profitable for Russia as well (so it ends up profiting more violence in Ukraine) >


Indeed! Any participation of Russia in competitions has been used by Putin to push their propaganda further.

I'd say any non participation of Russia in competition has much more positive effect for Putin. It enrages general public and unites against the west. Even though I don't care for sports I have a feeling of being slightly annoyed by this. I can imagine how general sports fan sees this. >


It enrages general public and unites against the west

Oh, you're right... the world is currently in a very complicated situation. While banning russian competitors enrages some of the general public (and spreading the "west is russophobic" propaganda), allowing russian competitors means Putin can take profit from these competitions as well
Wonder what can be done in this case, it's really complicated... >


allowing russian competitors means Putin can take profit from these competitions as well

Profit? What profit? Serious question here. >

True neutrality would have those athletes banned anyways. After the doping the Russian sports authorities have committed ALL Russian athletes are questionable and should be banned, not just competing without the Russian flag or anthem. The only reason they still get to play is the massive bribes by Russia. Some neutrality... >

But, besides the war, Russia cheats all the Fing time. So… sorry athletes. Piss off. >

I don't like using sports to make political statements. One of the virtues of sport is it's ability to put aside the politics and allow countries to interact/compete on positive terms. 
Unless the athletes in question are openly supporting an open conflict, then it seems unfair to punish individuals for what their government is doing. 
If flags/countries are banned from sports, it needs to be done consistently and not just for western interests. Eg. Why wasn't the US flag banned during the invasion of Iraq or Afghanistan?