Protesters in Madrid have been filmed performing fascist arm salutes while singing a far-right political song.

The anti-separatist supporters, many of who were teenagers, were protesting against the Catalonia independence referendum and to show their support for a unified country.

The protesters could be seen carrying the Spanish national flag and holding their arms in a high salute.

They were also singing a song associated with the far-right Falange party which held power during the Francoist dictatorship period of the country.

The song ‘Cara Al Sol’ – Face to the Sun- was the anthem for the party which was the main political party during the period after winning the civil war.

Around 5,000 people from the Foundation for the Defence of the Spanish Nation (DENAES) gathered at the Cibeles Square in Madrid to show support of Spain’s national police and civil guard, the El Nacional newspaper reported.

Chants such as “Puigdemont, in prison” and “national unity” were heard, referencing the regional leader of Catalonia, President Carles Puigdemon.

People wave Spanish national flags during a protest against the Catalan independence referendum (EPA)

More than five million people have been invited to take part in the independence referendum by the regional Catalan government despite it being deemed 'illegal' by the Spanish central government and courts.

The ballot papers contain one question: "Do you want Catalonia to become an independent state in the form of a republic?" with two boxes: Yes or No.