At times like this I often wonder whether some of our fans understand football at all and what constitutes a foul in the first place. Whataboutery is irrelevant, players that dive do not award penalties, players that go down in a heap because of the slightest of touches on their backs do not give free kicks, referees make those decisions alone. The referees have the power to book players for ungentlemanly conduct, they have the power to book for simulation (it should be called cheating). I accept some things are not clear cut, I accept cheating pays at times.
I would consider certain changes in the game at lower league levels, Championship downwards that avoids VAR costs, but uses normal in game cameras and gives a 4th official some responsibility other than using a subs board)
1. Firstly if a player is booked or sent off by the ref, or refs fails to see dangerous tackles (Fry v blackburn) let the 4th official review incidents during the game and give them the power to rescind or award cards based on the camera angles available to him. Any doubts on field ref decision stands.
2. If a player is clearly seen to be guilty of simulation to gain a penalty (cheating) then make that a straight red card, not a yellow (they’ll soon stop it). (4th official has power to review in game)
3. Allow teams power to appeal blatant injustices after game i.e. 4th official also ballsed up and made a bad decision (adds accountability to 4th official decision making).
I am not suggesting goals be chalked off for mistakes as by the time it is checked it may take too long, that needs more careful thought, but if those that cheat pay at least some price during the game it might help. It would need thinking through more than i have, but make better use of 4th officials.
It is a much lower standard than VAR but given cameras at all EFL grounds, it should be simple to administer and enable some scrutiny offering help to on field refs one would hope.