Liverpool fans are only just realising why Anfield's iconic stand is called the Kop

It's one of the most famous and historic stand names in world football, and yet, few know the story behind it. From David Fairclough's strike against St Etienne in 1977, to the Luis Garcia 'ghost' goal, to that night against Barcelona, few stands have played host to more iconic moments than the Kop at Anfield.

In modern times, it has a capacity of just 12,850 fans, around half of what it housed before all-seater stadiums became compulsory in top-flight football. But with the poignant flags and famous roars, it remains an integral part of club heritage. What many supporters will not realise, however, is that the original inspiration for the name came from an army battle in South Africa.

During the 1900 Boer War, British soldiers fought to capture a hilltop named Spion Kop, or Spioenkop in Afrikaans. During that conflict, around 300 were killed, with many of the victims from Liverpool.

As a result, in 1906, the Spion Kop was opened at the reported request of battle survivors as a tribute to their fallen colleagues. Initially, it held 25,000 people, with that capacity increasing to 27,000 in 1928 following a ground extension.

The original terrace until 1994, with Gerry Marsden marking its final game with an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone prior to kickoff against Norwich. There was to be no fairytale farewell as the Canaries won 1-0, and later that year, the Spion Kop was demolished and restored in order to comply with new regulations.

It reopened simply as the Kop and kept its place behind the goal at the Anfield Road End. Ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, the one-tier stand had rail seating installed at the back as part of a trial to improve safety.

Despite huge advancements to Anfield in recent years, the Kop has stood the test of time. The stadium capacity is now 61,276, and the prospect of extending the Kop appears difficult as Walton Breck Road, a major A-road within the city, runs behind it.

The Spirit of Shankly group once said: "The Kop is more than just a stand; it's a symbol of Liverpool Football Club's history, passion, and identity."

Never a truer word spoken. Few realise, though, that the history, passion, and identity were born in harrowing circumstances in South Africa 125 years ago.