How Did Spion Kop Get Its Name?

The term "Spion Kop" or simply "Kop"refers to elevated terraces or stands in sports arenas in the United Kingdom, including Anfield in Liverpool. This nickname refers to the hill at which the battle of Spion Kop was fought because the terraces are also high and steep.

  1. History

    • The battle of Spion Kop occurred between British forces and the army of the South African Republic atop the hill known as Spion Kop in the year 1900. The battle was one of several during the second Boer War and British forces were attempting to retake the town of Ladysmith, which they had recently lost to the South African forces. The British lost the battle and, ultimately, the war.

    Notable Kops

    • Several stadiums in the United Kingdom have terraces called Spion Kops, notably St Andrew's in Birmingham City, Oakwell in Barnsley and Anfield in Liverpool. Other stadiums simply call their terraces "the Kop."

    Significance

    • Supporters of Liverpool's soccer team frequently position themselves in the Kop at the stadium, thus earning the nickname "Kopites." Liverpool fans have readily adopted the name and occasionally form groups or clubs that use the name, as is the case with the Tenerife Kopites.