Racism headlines rocked the soccer world on Sunday night. Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. simply had enough of the hate and hostility he faced at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium during their LaLiga encounter. After leaving the pitch in tears, Vini roared back at the league’s inefficiency to handle sensitive issues, even in this day and age. The matter has escalated to the point where the global sporting community is drawing comparisons of this situation with one of the most controversial episodes in the NFL’s history.

Yes, we are talking about former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling to protest against social injustices during the national anthem at an NFL game. Somehow, with everything going on in Vini’s case, some may say that this is even bigger than Kaepernick’s issue. Especially because Vinicius has already garnered the support of athletes from every global sport, including retired NFL icon Tom Brady.

Vinicius Jr. stands up to racism and draws Kaepernick comparisons

Los Blancos’ 22-year-old Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jr. didn’t have it easy this season. The reigning Champions League winner played through racist chants in multiple games. It reached a boiling climax in last Sunday’s away fixture against Valencia. The home crowd allegedly made monkey gestures. They also yelled “Die, Vinicius, Die” throughout the course of the ninety minutes. Surprisingly, it was the Madrid left winger who was sent off for his altercation with the fans.

The ‘5asidepod’ Bleacher Report podcast discussed the entire issue in depth. “When have you last seen a dark skin person at the front of the sport as an electrifying superstar? It should be your duty and your responsibility to protect the black people who make up your institution and your league. If it’s Ronaldo, they’re bending over backwards for him,” the hosts said.

“I’m strong and will go to the end against the racists. Even though it’s far from here,” Vini had said in an IG post after Sunday’s game. The 5asidepod thought that Vini’s stand “could be one of the greatest displays by an athlete against racism since Colin Kaepernick.”

Vini’s post-match Instagram video attacked not just the vile racist remarks during Valencia’s game, but the general presence of rampant racism in Spanish soccer’s premier league.

ALSO READ: Brady Is More Interested in This “Softer” Sport Rather Than His Beloved Football, Due to Personal Reasons

He found support from not just fellow Brazilians like Neymar, but also from former Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB1 Tom Brady. “Vini,” a presumably speechless TB12 commented with a couple of heart emojis.

Vini’s clash with LaLiga’s president has escalated the issue further

LaLiga president Javier Tebas accused the Real Madrid forward of not showing up for the scheduled anti-racism meetings that were requested by Vini himself. However, the Brazilian quickly shot back on Twitter. “Once again, instead of criticizing racists, the president of LaLiga appears on social media to attack me,” Vini wrote.

WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton stands up for soccer star Vinicius Jr. for battling social evil