Scotland's 'harsh' treatment of Steve Clarke slammed by former coach after resignation

Scotland have been slammed for their harsh treatment of manager Steve Clarke after he stepped down following their World Cup exit.

The Tartan Army were eliminated from the group stage after failing to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, after picking up just three points from three games.

A heavy 3-0 defeat to Brazil in their final group game proved to be the final nail in the coffin, and Clarke has received the brunt of the critcism for their failings.

Former Man United assistant manager Mick Brown told Football Insider that, while Clarke cannot be completely blameless, it was harsh to expect him to resign.

In a statement issued via the Scottish FA, the boss highlighted his task to lead the nation to a major tournament, and in that respect, he has achieved his ambitions.

Performances both at the Euros in 2021 and now at the 2026 World Cup have left many disappointed, but expecting Scotland to be competitive was always a tough ask.

What went wrong for Scotland at the World Cup?

Scottish media slammed the players, including the likes of John McGinn, and Clarke following their defeat against Brazil, which was the start of a series of events leading to their elimination.

The manager's actions, notably decisions to walk out of interviews and press conferences, also hightened the pressure on his position and criticism from the fans.

However, in spite of what ended up being a disappointing campaign, there is also a feeling that he has been treated harshly based on his achievements.

"It was harsh for anybody to expect Clarke to step down after the World Cup," Brown told Football Insider.

"Obviously that has happened now, and it was his decision, but looking at where Scotland have been in the past compared to where they are now, they have imprived.

"Clarke has been a big part of that, so the criticism of him now does seem harsh, even if he is at least in part to blame for their failures at the World Cup.

"Scotland might have hoped to go further, but it should never have been an expectation when you look at their side and others that were in their group.

"I don't think Clarke helped himself with the way his side set up and that's probably what their biggest problem was, they couldn't compete with teams like Brazil.

"But the expectation on the manager to step down after the tournament, I don't agree with, and even though that decision was made it does feel harsh."

What is next for Clarke after Scotland exit?

After stepping down as Scotland manager, Clarke is expected to take a break from management, but the opportunity to return at club level could soon prove tempting.

While that is unlikely to happen in the immediate future, he remains highly regarded, and there is an expectation the opportunity will emerge for him to return.

Football Insider revealed in January that Celtic had considered Clarke as an option to become their permanent manager following the departure of Wilfried Nancy.

The former Scotland boss was on a long list of names considered at Parkhead, and is highly thought of there, as he is at a number of other Scottish sides.

Celtic ultimately decided to appoint Martin O'Neill on a one-year deal, but will reassess the situation next summer, and could view Clarke as a target once again.