Two people have been charged with the murder of footballer Cody Fisher, who was stabbed to death in a Birmingham nightclub on Boxing Day.

Kami Carpenter, 21, and Remy Gordon, 22, both from Birmingham will appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with his murder and affray, West Midlands Police confirmed on Saturday night.

Police said a 22-year-old man who also arrested on suspicion of the 23-year-old’s murder has been released on bail.

Mr Fisher, 23, was stabbed in the Crane venue in Digbeth, just before 11.45pm on Boxing Day while out with friends.

Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead around half an hour after officers were called to the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Ingram, of West Midlands Police, on Saturday night described the murder charges as “a significant development in our investigation as we seek to get justice for Cody, his family and friends”.

“We’ve received fantastic support from the public who’ve really helped us in our inquiries so far,” he said.

“However, we’re still really keen to hear from anyone with information who has not already spoken to us. Every piece of information helps our investigation.”

Following Mr Fisher’s death, his heartbroken girlfriend has shared a moving tribute to him, saying “I love you forever”.

“You didn’t deserve any of this,” wrote Jess Chatwin in the post on Twitter. “I’m so sorry this has happened to you my baby please come home. I love you forever Cody Fisher.”

A statement shared by Mr Fisher’s family following the tragedy said: “They have broken our hearts; I have lost my best friend. My family and I are asking for privacy and respectfulness at this heart-breaking time.”

Meanwhile the manager of Stratford FC, Jed McCrory, broke down in tears as he paid tribute to the young player on Tuesday.

“We’re a family club,” he said. “Everybody knows everybody. It’s going to be a hard one to take this, for everybody. He was so well-liked.”

He said he was “just speechless” by Mr Fisher’s death, adding: “Anything we can do to help, we’ll do. I’m just so sorry for [his family].”