The pro-independence forces in Catalonia have been bickering with those who want to remain in Spain in an escalating battle for a year now, and the latest twist is dubbed the "Yellow Ribbon War". Pro-independence forces have put up ribbons in public places, while opponents argue that public space should be neutral. The two sides sometimes end up in tense standoffs. Al Goodman reports from the seaside town of Mataro near Barcelona.

In the working-class town of Mataro near Barcelona, support for the independence of Catalonia from Spain is seen in flags, posters, and ribbons, yellow and even other colors. The ribbons are a symbol of support for Nine pro-independence leaders in jail awaiting trial for trying to unilaterally break Catalonia off from Spain, not allowed under the Constitution. The Catalan President wore a ribbon, while standing next to a big one, in a recent major speech in Barcelona.

But for months, the ribbons have provoked tension, as people who want to remain in Spain go out to tear them down, in what some call the yellow ribbon war. This boxing instructor filmed that video and says there's no place for ribbons in town squares and even on the beaches.

JOSE CASADO YELLOW RIBBON OPPONENT "These are public spaces that should be neutral, without separatist propaganda that doesn't represent most Catalans."

But this translator of legal document begs to differ.

FRANCESC BELLAVISTA YELLOW RIBBON SUPPORTER "What democracy prohibits its citizens from expressing political opinions in public spaces? Should political statements only be in private, like in your dining room? That's democracy?"

They had never met but we soon had these 2 men debating the issue.

JOSE CASADO YELLOW RIBBON OPPONENT "They are not going to get tired of putting up the yellow ribbons. And we are not going to get tired of taking them down."

FRANCESC BELLAVISTA YELLOW RIBBON SUPPORTER "The solution is clear. That Spain's attorney general drops the absurd charges against the Catalan political prisoners."

Which doesn't seem likely. Lately, new videos of the ribbon wars appear every week, showing the latest flash points.

AL GOODMAN MATARO, SPAIN "The ribbon wars include even the ones that are painted. Here, the people who want to remain in Spain have come along afterward and painted red around the yellow ribbon because red and yellow are the colors of the Spanish flag."

But these staunch opponents over the issue of ribbons, and of independence for Catalonia, do agree on one thing. They both told us, there's no quick solution in sight. Al Goodman, CGTN, Mataro, Spain.