Luke Keary put on report for eye gouge on Paul Gallen

LUKE Keary could be in danger of missing the start of next season, after he was put on report for this brutal eye gouge on Sharks skipper Paul Gallen.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Luke Keary of the Rabbitohs is tackled by Gerard Beale of the Sharks during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Allianz Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

THE Sydney Rabbitohs will have further shadows cast over their season-ending performance against the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium, after key playmaker Luke Keary was put on report for eye gouging.

With the scores tied nil-all in the qualifying final, Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen took the ball towards the South Sydney defensive line, and was met by four defenders, Keary included.

As Gallen was brought to ground, he could be seen grabbing at his face, and remained on his back rather than playing the ball.

Replays showed the hand of Keary come into contact with Gallen’s face in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to claw at the eyes of former NSW Blues skipper.

Gallen grabs at his face after being allegedly eye gouged by Luke Keary.

Just six and a half minutes into the game, Gallen was already showing claret just below his left eye prior to the incident, suggesting this may not have been the first time a Rabbitohs defender had tried to eye gouge him.

Watch the incident in the video player above.

“It’s been reviewed and his hand was above the eye,” referee Matt Cecchin said as he put Keary on report.

If Keary is found guilty of dangerous conduct and forced to face the NRL judiciary panel, it will be the second time this year, after he received a one week suspension for a shoulder charge in Round 23.

Luke Keary will be hopeful he will avoid penalty after the incident, which could potentailly see him his games at the start of next season.

Eye gouging may be the least of the Sharks’ problems however, with powerful forward Andrew Fifita missing a large portion of the first half, suffering from back spasms in the warm-up.

Fifita is due to return this week following a six week suspension for abusing a junior rugby league referee.