Carl Frampton admits he couldn't resist having a dig at former Crusaders hero Colin Coates during the recent North Belfast derby.
Frampton was in attendance at Seaview on Boxing Day as the Crues eased to a commanding 3-0 win over Cliftonville.
Coates - who won three Premiership titles in four years at Crusaders - joined arch rivals Cliftonville in the summer of 2021.
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And Frampton says he enjoyed rubbing some salt into the wounds after last month's derby romp.
He told the Sunday Life: "I've not been getting to as many Crusaders matches as I would like but I was at Seaview on Boxing Day and was delighted to watch the Crues skelp Cliftonville alongside a hero of mine, Kirk Hunter.
"It was the first time I have dished out abuse to former Crues hero Colin Coates, now of the Reds, although I did text him afterwards to apologise!"
Meanwhile, Frampton has predicted a tense title race this season, with several clubs in with a chance of landing the Gibson Cup.
Just three points separate the top four sides in the table, with fans predicting one of the tightest title battles in years.
Frampton added: "It was a great performance from the Crues, who are flying at the minute, but the entire title race is shaping up to be the best one in many years with Larne and Cliftonville joint top, and LInfield, the Crues and Coleraine just behind.
"Glentoran are still in with a shout, although they have it a bad run of form and I won't complain about that."
Frampton added: "It seems we are in for a fascinating few months in the title race as at this stage anyone can win it.
"As for the Crues, they have a few big games coming up at the end of this month against Larne, Linfield and Glentoran, so should they come through those with six or seven points, who knows?"
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