MADRID, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- The plans have been revealed for the giant mosaic with which FC Barcelona aim to cover the inside of the Camp Nou Stadium ahead of next Sunday's 'Classico' against Real Madrid.

The plans are certain to raise some eyebrows in Spain given that the club's 98,000 fans in the stadium will hold up pieces of paper to form a giant Catalan flag, known as the 'Senyera' with the word 'Barca' facing the tunnel as the players make their way onto the pitch.

What makes the plan so striking is that design has been chosen as the debate over the possibility of Catalonia gaining independence from Spain gains in intensity with the ruling Convegencia y Unio party in Catalonia seriously considering the possibility of a referendum on the subject should they win the election they have called in the region in mid-November.

Barcelona has long been viewed by many of its fans as an unofficial Catalan national team (despite having foreign players) and Barca was considered a symbol of Catalan nationalism and freedom during the dictatorship of General Franco from 1939-1975.

Real Madrid meanwhile is seen, rightly or wrongly, by many as the side which is favored and aided by the Madrid government and as a representation of the control exercised by central Spain.

Former club president Joan Laporta is the leader of a pro-Catalan political party, while former coach Pep Guardiola sent a message supporting Catalan Independence during the 'Diada' Catalan national day on September 11.

The issue of independence was always going to be played out in the background of Sunday's football match, but now it has been pushed closer to the spotlight. Perhaps the best attitude is that displayed by Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho when he was asked about the issue ahead of his side's Wednesday night Champions League match against Ajax of Amsterdam.

The Portuguese coach is no stranger to controversy, but his reply showed a diplomacy that is likely to be lacking in the coming days.

"You are asking a Portuguese citizen about a Catalan demonstration? If you were at least asking me about Portuguese politics....." he replied. Enditem

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