Asante Kotoko have suspended head coach Bashiru Hayford ahead of the team's visit to Sudanese side El-Merreikh in the ultimate Confederation Cup Group B match. A local newspaper claim the coach was served his suspension letter last Friday. With this development, he will sit out the tie for assistant Johnson Smith to take charge. Management claim Hayford showed gross disrespect leaving Kumasi unceremoniously after the 2-2 draw with Etoile du Sahel at the Baba Yara Stadium on 5 October. Hayford's action is as a result of death threats he is alleged to have received from some irate fans who were discontent with the coach's performance. The club's decision has left Hayford shocked and dumbfounded according to the Africa Sports newspaper. "My life was in danger.I had to be proactive.Under the circumstances,I had to do what was sane and realistic by abandoning the vicinity until calm was restored," Hayford told Africa Sports. "Where is the criminality?Don't I deserve support under these circumstances?I'm really shocked to say the least. With the management's reaction,it nourishes the feeling that they want to find an excuse to kick-out the coach who guided them to the league title last season. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com