Cody Fisher: Men charged with nightclub murder appear in court

Cody Fisher had played for a series of non-league clubs in the Midlands, most recently Stratford Town

Two men have appeared in court charged with murdering footballer Cody Fisher at a Birmingham nightclub.

The 23-year-old non-league player and school sports coach was stabbed on the dance floor of the Crane nightclub in Digbeth on Boxing Day.

Kami Carpenter, 21, and Remy Gordon, 22, both from Birmingham, appeared at the city's crown court on Monday.

The pair were not asked to enter a plea to a charge of murder and were remanded in custody.

However, they pleaded not guilty to a linked charge of affray and also spoke to confirm their personal details.

Mr Carpenter, of no fixed address, and Mr Gordon, of Cofton Park Drive, Birmingham, were remanded in custody following a four-minute hearing before two magistrates.

The case was among several listed at the crown court because the nearby magistrates' court was closed.

They were ordered to reappear before a judge at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday. A further hearing was set for 30 January.

Mr Gordon appeared in the dock wearing a blue padded coat, while Mr Carpenter was dressed in a dark suit and white shirt.

The Crane nightclub had its licence suspended for 28 days on Friday, following accusations by West Midlands Police there had been "serious management failings" at the venue on the night Mr Fisher died.

Remy Gordon (left) and Kami Carpenter were remanded in custody

The force's application for the review said officers who attended "described a scene of chaos".

In a statement issued after the review hearing, the nightclub said it would not oppose the temporary licence suspension and was focused on supporting the investigation.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Fisher died of a stab wound.

He had played for several non-league Midlands clubs, most recently Stratford Town.

The Crane nightclub in Digbeth has had its licence suspended

Among the tributes, Bromsgrove Sporting praised their former player.

In a tweet the club wrote: "All of us at Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cody Fisher.

"Cody was a friend to many at the club and we send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

A 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail.

Four other people arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have also been released on bail.

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