Munua, Aouate lose top goalkeeping job at Deportivo after locker room clash; Fabricio promoted

Fabricio Ramirez was promoted to first-choice goalkeeper at Deportivo La Coruna after a violent incident between the Spanish club's top keepers in the locker room.

Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate needed eight stitches around his left eye when he was punched by Uruguayan Gustavo Munua on Friday.

"The locker room is united and we won't allow it to be divided," Deportivo coach Miguel Angel Laotina said Saturday. "I don't want to give the impression that we put up with any people who can't control themselves."

The club said it would be meeting with both goalkeepers next week after dropping them from the squad for Sunday's league match at Villarreal.

Aouate said Munua took him by surprise.

"I had showered and went to get dressed. Munua came in and said 'who are you looking at?' Next thing, he punched me in the eye and it started to bleed heavily," Aouate was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca on Saturday. "All the team were there and were shocked."

Munua replaced Aouate as starting goalkeeper following a 2-1 home loss to Racing Santander in early December. On Thursday, Aouate reportedly voiced his displeasure about the decision.

"I have never complained about or spoken badly of a colleague. I spoke about my ability and the team's predicament. They asked me about Munua and I didn't say anything," Aouate said.

Aouate didn't confirm if he would pursue legal action against Munua.

"It wasn't a fight. He's hit me without any explanation," Aouate said. "I am surprised a teammate can do something like this."

Deportivo is 19th in the league with 17 points.