The Kop ( a bit of history )
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The Kop ( a bit of history )
The Kop at Liverpool's Anfield Stadium is one of the most famous terraces in football, known for its passionate supporters and electric atmosphere.
The name "Kop" originates from the Battle of Spion Kop during the Second Boer War in 1900. "Spion Kop," meaning "Spy Hill" in Dutch, was a hill in South Africa where a bloody battle occurred, resulting in heavy casualties for British forces, many of whom were from Lancashire, including Liverpool.
In 1906, when Liverpool FC constructed a large, steep terrace for fans at Anfield, it was named the Spion Kop in memory of the soldiers who had died in that battle. The steep nature of the terrace resembled the hill's slope, and the name became a lasting tribute.
The name "Kop" originates from the Battle of Spion Kop during the Second Boer War in 1900. "Spion Kop," meaning "Spy Hill" in Dutch, was a hill in South Africa where a bloody battle occurred, resulting in heavy casualties for British forces, many of whom were from Lancashire, including Liverpool.
In 1906, when Liverpool FC constructed a large, steep terrace for fans at Anfield, it was named the Spion Kop in memory of the soldiers who had died in that battle. The steep nature of the terrace resembled the hill's slope, and the name became a lasting tribute.
- mentalcase
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Same at ER, spion kop, my first game in 67/68 season was on the old grassy bank called the "kop"
" Man is not affected by events but by the view he takes of them "
Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
It was news to me why the terrace behind the goal of many stadiums are referred to as the KOP. It is just a throw away word that is spouted out without knowing anything of the history.mentalcase wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 10:07 am Same at ER, spion kop, my first game in 67/68 season was on the old grassy bank called the "kop"
There are quiet a few youtube videos describing the battle. Churchill was there and so was Mahatma Gandhi serving in the medical corps. Just think how world history would be different if those two people had been killed.
No starlink and the only method of communication was semaphore, and the whole thing turned out to be a disaster for both the British and the Boers, and of course it was the generals mostly responsible for the mismanagement.
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Interesting bit of information about something we all can relate to, have probably been on to watch games, but knew nothing about where the name came from



- Irish Ian
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
I wonder how many grounds have their kop end.
Add Hillsborough and Windsor Park.
Add Hillsborough and Windsor Park.
'
"Football is about the people and the players,” he said. “Then there are those who will mingle in the middle: the coaches, executives and journalists. That last group represents the worst part about football" Marcelo Bielsa
"Football is about the people and the players,” he said. “Then there are those who will mingle in the middle: the coaches, executives and journalists. That last group represents the worst part about football" Marcelo Bielsa
Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
I have looked at many videos concerning the Spion Kop battle and I fould this the most informative because it give some background as to who the commanders were. Fascinating stuff.GreennWhite wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:56 am Interesting bit of information about something we all can relate to, have probably been on to watch games, but knew nothing about where the name came from![]()
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- mentalcase
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Other than politicians who agree to wars in the first place, generals and high ranking officers are always responsible for the "mis-management" of things in the theatre, I've fell out with many.Sean_Nile wrote: ↑Thu Jan 23, 2025 11:05 am It was news to me why the terrace behind the goal of many stadiums are referred to as the KOP. It is just a throw away word that is spouted out without knowing anything of the history.
There are quiet a few youtube videos describing the battle. Churchill was there and so was Mahatma Gandhi serving in the medical corps. Just think how world history would be different if those two people had been killed.
IMG_20250123_131247.jpg
No starlink and the only method of communication was semaphore, and the whole thing turned out to be a disaster for both the British and the Boers, and of course it was the generals mostly responsible for the mismanagement.
" Man is not affected by events but by the view he takes of them "
Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
I bet you have had one or two low ranking officers in your sights too.......
History shows again and again
How nature points out the folly of men
How nature points out the folly of men
- mentalcase
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Who me

" Man is not affected by events but by the view he takes of them "
Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
History shows again and again
How nature points out the folly of men
How nature points out the folly of men
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Ladysmith by Giles Foden.
Also wrote The last king of Scotland, about Idi Amin, made into a film with James McAvoy
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Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
I’m just a big know-it-all. I knew this.
WARNING: During game time, any post I make is not to be taken seriously, neither is it meant as offence. I'm a hot-blooded creature prone to moments of exasperation and expletive.
Re: The Kop ( a bit of history )
Me too, it was mentioned in a football book I used to renew every few weeks from the library when I was a kid.