Cody Fisher: Nightclub where footballer was stabbed to death has licence suspended

The nightclub where footballer Cody Fisher was stabbed to death on Boxing Day has had its licence suspended.

Mr Fisher, 23, was stabbed shortly before 11.45pm at the Crane nightclub in Digbeth, Birmingham.

The club’s licence has now been suspended by Birmingham City Council pending a full hearing to take place in the next four weeks.

Lawyers representing the licence holder did not contest the suspension and said it would use the 28 days to “reflect and assist the police with the criminal investigation”.

West Midlands Police said in the wake of Mr Fisher’s death that there had been “serious management failings” at the venue.

Three men have been arrested in connection with his murder.

The Stratford Town player’s teammates are said to be heartbroken over his death.

The club’s chairman, Jed McCrory, told Sky News it had requested that their next match, scheduled for Monday away at Bromsgrove Sporting, be cancelled.

He said the club was waiting for a decision from the league “to support the fact the club is grieving”.

He added: “The players that were with Cody on the night do not feel they can play football in the near future, which is fully understandable.

“The players and club met last night and feel it is only right the first game in respect for Cody will be at the next home game and therefore the players and staff are aiming to play a week Saturday at home to Kings Langley.

“We will have a minute’s applause before the game (and) a further minute’s applause in the 23rd minute.

“We will be retiring the number 23 from the football club squad numbers.”

He also revealed that the club was arranging a memorial game, with the money raised going to his family, alongside the creation of a charity.

“We will be setting up a Cody Fisher Community Fund associated to our academy.

“This fund will be used for young adults to get a coaching license to be able to coach kids in schools like Cody did.”