Berti Vogts blamed "disgraceful" personal abuse by a minority of fans for his decision to resign as Scotland coach on Monday after 2-1/2 years in the job.

The Scottish FA confirmed in a statement that the German had left by mutual consent after handing in his resignation.

Vogts, who led his native Germany to victory at Euro 96, had been under increasing pressure after a poor start to Scotland's World Cup qualifying campaign in which they have picked up just two points from their first three games.

In a hard-hitting statement the 57-year-old said: "I must say that the major factor in this decision has been the disgraceful abuse that I have suffered, especially of late.

"It has degenerated into a physical nature, especially on recent occasions where I have been spat upon.

"This is not acceptable behaviour in a civilised society and I know that the vast majority of Scots will join me in my disgust at this act by a very tiny minority.

"The abuse is something that people in public life must get used to but now it is having a serious effect on my home life.

"I cannot sit by, as no-one would, to be involved in the abuse that I have had to endure."

Speculation over Vogts's future had grown since a disappointing 1-1 draw in Moldova last month left Scotland with little hope of reaching the 2006 World Cup finals.

Scotland drew 0-0 with Slovenia and lost 1-0 at home to Norway in their first two qualifying matches, leaving them second-bottom of Group 5.

Following the 1-1 draw in Moldova Vogts was given a 'vote of confidence' by the Scottish FA with chief executive David Taylor saying, "We are not in the market to be looking for a manager".

However, the much-maligned coach's position had become untenable in recent weeks.

HEAVY HEART

"From my point of view, the decision has been made with a heavy heart," added Vogts, who was appointed to replace Craig Brown in 2002.

"I have enjoyed my tenure at the hub of the Scottish football team and the warmth that I have experienced from the people of Scotland."

Vogts also blamed the media for turning Scotland fans against him.

"What these actions have proved is the unacceptable power of the tabloid press to influence its readership," he said. "The opinions expressed mostly by journalists with little knowledge of the game certainly had a great effect on some of the fans.

"In public life the media are in a position to make or break a person, and that cannot be justified."

Despite Scotland slipping to an all-time low 68th in the FIFA world rankings Vogts said he believed he had laid the foundations for future Scottish success.

"I know that in time, and given support, they will develop into the team of my vision," he said. "I still have belief in my boys, all of them."