It's very easy to look back into the past with rose tinted glasses.

Cheating has always gone on. Even Jimmy Mac admitted that he would go down if there was a chance of a penalty. Difference was, there was no scrutiny from TV cameras in those days so if he, or anyone else, took a dive then it would be almost impossible to spot.
Franny Lee was the worst offender I have ever seen. Nothing new here folks.

Same with players surrounding the ref. That has happened all the time in my 56 year career as a spectator. Do any of you remember our battles with Leeds in the 60's for example? The ref was constantly surrounded with players from both sides.

As for bad language...give over. Industrial language has always been part of the game. Many of you go to non-league matches where you can hear it constantly. Nothing has changed over the years there either.

To be fair to the FA, they have tried a few times to improve things but it has never really happened. There was the "respect" thing towards officials which seemed to be working for about a season but has now largely disappeared. There was the law that only the captain could complain to the ref which has also seemed to have gone.

The game has prospered over the years...let's not mess about with the rules too much, eh?

I am against VAR because it is trying to make the game too clinical. It is a game for human beings and the less technology the better. Bad decisions from officials create great after match discussions which have always been part of the game. It has always been recognised that officials, players and managers make mistakes - and this actually adds to the spectacle and match experience.