Michael Clarke didn’t land much sympathy from viewers when he was cornered into discussing his infamous Noosa brawl with ex-lover Jade Yarbrough on A Current Affair.
The 42-year-old was on the show to plug a new lemon, lime and bitters drink that he is fronting but interviewer Simon Bouda repeatedly steered the chat to the couple’s ugly fight in the street that was caught on camera in January.
In footage, a topless Clarke was slapped and swore at by Yarbrough, who accused him of cheating and being in contact with his ex-Pip Edwards.
The couple were with TV host Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine — who is Jade’s sister — at the time and had spent the night partying with celebrity accountant Anthony Bell in Noosa.
Capitulating to Bouda’s enquiry the former cricketer said: “Lessons, so many things in my time, I call lessons.”
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He said of the blow-up: “Relationships are tough, behind closed doors, and a lot of things happen that we all deal with. A divorce, you know. Man, the things I’ve been through, so sad, so hard.”
“I think the one thing is you’ve just got to do your best — highs, lows, pros, cons, good times, tough times.
“I’m like everyone else. Still to this day, I’m standing here trying my best and I hope that doesn’t change.”
The star added: “Relationships are tough. When you’re in the spotlight, you’re in the spotlight. There’s no pick and choose.”
But his comments left viewers and fans cold and attracted harsh criticism.
Ryan Leaf from Perth commented: “Gotta be the most hated person in Australia right alongside Albo. Wot a plank.”
“It was pretty cringe to watch,” added Honest Response 23.
Other fans dubbed him a “bogan”.
Another said the row should be forgotten, posting, “Happened a year ago. Leave it alone.”