what is a kop

A Kop is a colloquial name or term for a number of single-tier terraces and stands at sports stadiums, particularly in the United Kingdom). The name comes from the Spion Kop, a hill near Ladysmith, South Africa, which was the scene of a battle during the Second Boer War). The size and location of the stand in the stadium varies, but most are located behind the goal and are occupied by the clubs most vocal supporters). It is usually a single-tiered stand and was traditionally terraced. However, safety regulations brought into effect after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster required many to be made all-seated). A Kop is not necessarily the largest stand in the stadium and does not have to have a particularly large capacity). For example, Chesterfields former stadium, Saltergate, had a Kop with a capacity of only a few thousand).