A FOOTBALLER was stabbed to death in a "planned act of retribution" after making "unavoidable" contact with one of his killers, a court heard.

       Cody Fisher, 23, had been in a crowded bar on Christmas Eve, 2022, when he nudged into Remy Gordon's back as he left with pals.

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       Cody Fisher was stabbed to death in a nightclub Credit: PA

       Birmingham Crown Court heard Gordon, 23, then hatched an act of "awful revenge" for the minor incident.

       He allegedly messaged his friends on Snapchat asking for help in identifying Cody as he threatened to "shank him up".

       On Boxing Day, Gordon went to the Crane nightclub with co-accused Kami Carpenter, 22, and 19-year-old Reegan Anderson.

       Once there, Cody was stabbed in the chest - puncturing his heart - and was tragically declared dead at the scene.

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       A close pal he was with was also chased and kicked but managed to escape, jurors were told.

       Prosecutor Michael Duck KC said: "The prosecution say this was a joint and planned attack involving extreme violence.

       "It was not a matter of chance that Cody Fisher was attacked. It was not a flash of temper - it was a planned act of retribution."

       Jurors heard the "minor falling out" Cody had with Gordon came just 48 hours before he was killed.

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       He had been with his friend at the Popworld club in Solihull, which was described as "packed" that night.

       Cody and his pal were making their way towards the exit through a crowd of revellers that included Gordon.

       Mr Duck said: "There was a brief contact between Cody Fisher and Remy Gordon's back it seems.

       "Cody Fisher it seems did little more than touch Remy Gordon's back. Remy Gordon was looking for an argument with somebody."

       The court was told Gordon "challenged" the footballer, who refused to apologise as he had done "nothing wrong".

       Cody left the club, unaware he was set on a path of retribution that "ultimately was to lead to the loss of [his] young life", it was said.

       Mr Duck added: "The strength of [Gordon's] resentment can be gleaned from messages sent within about 50 minutes of the encounter in Popworld.

       "He felt rather embarrassed and frustrated that he had been unable to intimidate a member of the public."

       Gordon, Carpenter and Anderson deny murder and affray.

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       Cody was a former Birmingham City academy member who also played for Stratford Town and Bromsgrove Sporting.

       The trial continues.

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       Cody's girlfriend previously paid tribute 3

       The horror unfolded at the Crane club in Digbeth Credit: PA