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Inside Karl Stefanovic and Michael Clarke’s friendship before clash

Karl Stefanovic and Michael Clarke were long-term mates way before the cricket legend got together with the TV star’s sister-in-law.

Clarke and Stefanovic were great mates. Photo: Getty Images
Clarke and Stefanovic were great mates. Photo: Getty Images

Karl Stefanovic and Michael Clarke were long-term mates way before the cricket legend got together with the TV star’s sister-in-law.

But what remains of the close bond is yet to be seen following their wild fracas in a public park in Noosa.

Clarke repeatedly denies the allegations in the video capturing the saga.

The cricket commentator has been dating Jade Yarbrough, the sister of Stefanovic’s wife Jasmine, since last year, going Instagram official in August.

Clarke and Jade were said to have met though Stefanovic, with the former cricketer also close mates with Jade’s business partner’s husband, Travy Bacon.

Watch video of the clash between Clarke and Stefanovic here >

Clarke and Yarbrough. Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
Clarke and Yarbrough. Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

After Clarke and Jade reportedly began dating, Stefanovic appeared to be all for it, going away to on a trip with the pair in August.

He spoke to The Kyle and Jackie O Show and said “they’re just a lovely couple”.

They have also been on double dates including in November when Clarke was spotted out with Yarbrough and the Stefanovics in a $1200 Balenciaga sweater.

There have even been reports that Karl and Jasmine had given their blessing for Clarke and Jade to marry.

And, just last week, Stefanovic and Clarke were in Noosa together, sharing happy snaps from the holiday.

Clarke and Stefanovic’s relationship goes back much further, however, as Clarke has long been a regular on Today.

Back in 2015, when Clarke’s daughter Kelsey-Lee was born, Stefanovic broke the news during the Today show. Clarke has also chosen to share some of his rawest TV moments with Stefanovic, including breaking down on the morning TV show while talking about Shane Warne after his death.

Michael Clarke and Karl Stefanovicin a Today skit.
Michael Clarke and Karl Stefanovicin a Today skit.

However, the relationship appears to have been strained after a video of the group in an emotionally charged fracas in Noosa was revealed by The Daily Telegraph.

Clarke and Stefanovic are seen squaring off in a public park, before Clarke is slapped across the face by Jade and accused of cheating.

Clarke told The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday night: “I accept full responsibility for this altercation and am shattered by my actions”.

The fight began when the two high-profile couples and their celebrity accountant mate Anthony Bell were at dinner at a beachside restaurant.

It’s understood Clarke’s celebrity fashion designer ex-girlfriend Pip Edwards and Jade had been in contact, sparking the confrontation between Clarke and Jade.

Incredible vision shows a shirtless Clarke limping in a park surrounded by a group who are trying to calm the situation, while a furious Jade screams at him then slaps him across the face.

“You f**ked her on December 17 … You f**ked her, you’re a f**king dog,” Jade screams.

Clarke responds: “Baby you’re wrong, you’re wrong.”

He adds: “I swear on my life, I swear at my life … That’s not true, it’s not true.”

Anthony Minichiello, Geoff Huegill, Karl Stefanovic, Michael Clarke and Anthony Bell pictured at the 2015 Loyal Perpetual Sportsman's Fundraising Lunch. Picture: Richard Dobson
Anthony Minichiello, Geoff Huegill, Karl Stefanovic, Michael Clarke and Anthony Bell pictured at the 2015 Loyal Perpetual Sportsman's Fundraising Lunch. Picture: Richard Dobson

Clarke represented Australia in 115 Test matches and 245 ODIs after making his international debut in 2003.

The right-hander scored 8643 Test runs, including 28 centuries and a career-best of 329 not out against India at the SCG in 2012.

He captained Australia during the unforgettable 2013/14 Ashes whitewash and the triumphant 2015 World Cup campaign.

Originally published as Inside Karl Stefanovic and Michael Clarke’s friendship before clash

Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/cricket/inside-karl-stefanovic-and-michael-clarkes-friendship-before-clash/news-story/111fd07946710825c235ac1b0a24c53c