Two men charged after Boxing Day nightclub stabbing

Two men have been charged with both murder and affray following the brutal stabbing of footballer Cody Fisher in a nightclub on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, four other people, who had all been arrested on suspicion of assisting the offender, have also been released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Ingram of West Midlands Police stated that the arrests were a 'significant development in our investigation', as they worked to 'get justice for Cody, his family and friends.'

Cody Fisher, 23, had been out at Crane nightclub in Digbeth on Monday 26 December when he was attacked shortly before 11.45pm.

The nightclub where the incident occurred has had its licence suspended by Birmingham City Council.

In a city council licensing sub-committee meeting held on Friday (29 December), it was determined that 'the cause of the serious crime was likely to have originated from a style of management which had failed to uphold the licensing objectives'.

West Midlands Police also alleged there had been 'serious management failings' at the nightclub where Fisher's death occurred.

"The players that were with Cody on the night do not feel they can play football in the near future, which is fully understandable", he said.

Fisher's team decided that it was 'only right' for their first match following their teammate's passing be played at home.

Scheduled for next Saturday, Stratford Town plan to hold a minute's applause before the game, and a further minute's applause in the 23rd minute.

The team will also be retiring the number 23 from the club's squad numbers.

Additionally, Cody's team will be setting up a memorial game, with all money raised going to the late footballer's grieving family, and towards the new Cody Fisher Community Fund.

The fund, which will be associated with Stratford Town, will aim to help young adults get their coaching licenses, to help them teach other children how to play football, 'like Cody did.'