Soccer-Drogba behaviour not a pleasant sight, says UEFA's Taylor

LONDON, May 10 (Reuters) - UEFA General Secretary David Taylor has condemned the behaviour of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba at the end of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

The Ivory Coast international aimed a foul-mouthed rant directly at a live television camera after Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo had turned down four Chelsea penalty appeals during the 1-1 draw that knocked them out.

"I have seen worse behaviour on some amateur football pitches in Scotland," Taylor, a Scot, told BBC Radio 5's Sportsweek programme on Sunday.

"But it wasn't a pleasant sight, it was not pleasant to see and not the kind of example one would want. People have been talking about respect campaigns, UEFA has a respect campaign and the FA has one.

"We work closely together and this flies in the face of all these worthy endeavours."

Drogba issued a public apology on Thursday but that cut little ice with Taylor.

"I was pleased to see a public statement of apology ... although you can't excuse everything by an apology the day after. We, as the governing authority for the competition, will have to look into the matter and that's what we will do."

Taylor would not speculate on the punishment Drogba might receive and said a decision could be several weeks away.

"We have been collecting all the evidence ... we expect to take action in terms of instigating some disciplinary proceedings but as to the nature and extent of that, we have to collect all the evidence first before," he said.

Taylor also said it was unlikely Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher would be allowed to play in the Champions League final after being sent off against Arsenal on Tuesday -- despite an appeal by United.

"I know Darren Fletcher and I was sorry to see what happened but a game of football has to be played within the rules and personal sympathy can't interfere with the application of the rules," he said.

"There is a chance because the matter is being considered by the disciplinary committee on Monday, but as a rule, a player who is sent off will automatically miss the next game so we start from that premise."

Fletcher was sent off for what looked a fair challenge on Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas late in Tuesday's semi-final second leg at the Emirates, which United won 3-1.

UEFA rules state that a red card can only be overturned in a case of mistaken identity.