Mateo Joki Grata bites Danilo Stupar during water polo match

A controversy erupted during the Mediterranean Games water polo final in Taranto between Italy and Montenegro. Italian player Mateo Joki Grata bit Montenegrin player Danilo Stupar on the shoulder during the match.

The incident led to significant chaos in the pool. Following the bite, officials penalized Stupar, a decision that prompted Montenegrin head coach Dejan Savić to protest vehemently, resulting in his own ejection from the game. Stupar later showed visible bite marks on his shoulder to television cameras.

Joki Grata, who plays for the Italian national team and the club Pro Recco, has deep familial ties to the Balkan region. He was born in Rome to a mother from Belgrade and a grandfather from Berane, Montenegro. He has previously noted his connection to the area, stating he spent summers in Berane and Kotor, where he developed his passion for water polo.