I regularly turn to news sources other than the Globe, especially for European affairs. And I'm not aware of any of them stating that Catalonia had tried many times to negotiate independence, and each time been rebuffed. In fact, the Guardian editor today said this: 

"Most Catalans wished both for a referendum and to remain in a united country. They have been ill-served by both the state and the independence movement."

While the Guardian thinks the Spanish government acted poorly, it says the independence movement in Catalonia hasn't distinguished itself either. It's an opinion I readily agree with. There's a legitimate way to lead your region to nationhood, but the fractious government of Catalonia hasn't come close to meeting the requirements. It's flying by the seat of its pants in very turbulent political airspace. Catalonians deserve better.