Sometimes, when I want to remember the way things used to be, I watch footage of Vinnie Jones' tackle on Steve McMahon in the 1988 FA Cup Final between Wimbledon and Liverpool.
McMahon's first touch allows the ball to run away from him a little and he has to chase it. Jones senses this and steams in. McMahon gets to it first and nicks it away and Jones flies in, studs up, and takes him out just below the knees.
McMahon gets up. He does not remonstrate with Jones. Nor does he remonstrate with the referee, Brian Hill.