Reuters

San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh got riled up about the sideline melee that erupted in Sunday’s game with the Packers. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy is taking a more mild-mannered approach.

Harbaugh ripped Packers linebacker Clay Matthews for a “cheap shot” on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and told Matthews that if he wants to be a “tough guy” he should have “come with some knuckles” instead of slapping 49ers offensive lineman Joe Staley. McCarthy said he talked to his team about Harbaugh’s comments, but that he won’t respond to Harbaugh publicly.

“Clay Matthews is not a dirty player, by no means,” McCarthy said. “I addressed Harbaugh’s comments in the team meeting, and as always, we’ll stay above it.”

By vowing to stay above Harbaugh’s comments, McCarthy is suggesting that Harbaugh’s comments are beneath him. Which is a nice way to take a shot at Harbaugh while declaring that he won’t stoop to Harbaugh’s level.