In a dramatic display of protest, Italy's water polo team, the Settebello, turned their backs on the referees during the national anthem before their match against Spain.

This act was a response to a controversial decision in their previous quarter-final match against Hungary, where a goal was disallowed, a player was expelled, and a penalty was awarded to Hungary.

Despite appeals to World Aquatics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the decisions were upheld.

During the match against Spain, the Italian team further demonstrated their discontent by playing four minutes with one less player, simulating the conditions of their previous match.

The protest highlighted their frustration with the officiating, which they felt unjustly impacted their Olympic journey.