My point is off the field of play they are not treated the same or even close to it, and that will impact on attitudes on the pitch - if deliberate fouls had the same stigma as diving would we see it so often? Off the field of play diving (whether punished by the ref in the moment or missed) is treated as one of the worst things you can do on a pitch (besides perhaps spit). Players that are caught will will come out and apologise for it (the Leicester player earlier this season comes to mind). Accuse another player of diving and it's almost an insult. Yet if a player deliberately fouls an opponent we praise them for for taking one for the team (or laugh off when they're not caught by the ref), we don't expect apologies. No one feels shame for it, no one will get in your face and demand you apologise for daring to impugn their team's professionalism or sportsmanship.
EDIT: I would also add that the stigma around diving is part of the problem with it not being punished by refs as much. That affront to their character claim of anyone accused of diving makes authorities reluctant to act.
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