Taylor slams Drogba actions

European football's governing body are collecting evidence before deciding whether to charge Drogba - and possibly his team-mate Michael Ballack and the Blues themselves - for the ugly scenes that marred Wednesday's Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.

"It was not pleasant to see, not the sort of example one wants," said Taylor, whose employers, like the Football Association, have striven to improve conduct towards officials. "UEFA has a respect campaign and this just flies in the face of these worthy endeavours."

Drogba harangued Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the final whistle for failing to award a penalty to Chelsea despite several strong appeals, and then swore audibly at a television camera before leaving the pitch.

Midfielder Ballack also drew criticism for chasing and shouting at Ovrebo in the dying moments of the game, while the Blues could face action for failing to control their players.

Taylor admits UEFA "expect to take action" of some kind, although he was "pleased" with the apology issued by Drogba, through the club's website, for his behaviour.

He would not, however, be drawn on the possible outcome of UEFA's ongoing investigation.

"The proceedings are instigated by UEFA but the decision is made by the control and disciplinary body, which is quasi-independent," he told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme.

"They look at all the evidence, including video evidence, the objective and subjective factors, the mitigating circumstances - if any - before they come to some judgment.

"You can speculate, will somebody get this sentence or that sentence? It's pure speculation."