It's absolutely tragic. The FA, or the relevant powers that be, need to step in and make substantial changes to the culture of how referees are viewed or it will have catastrophic consequences on youth team and grass roots football. Every week my Dad will say 'Another shit ref' regardless of their quality. He thinks that, despite his obvious bias, he has a better understanding of the laws of the game from 60 yards away than a fully trained professional. It all adds to the underlying issue of thinking abusing refs is fine, when they are fundamental to the game we love. That isn't to say I think refs are perfect by any stretch, they're not. They will make mistakes, it's only natural as its human error. We're in danger of driving out something that is essential to the game actually taking place.
The other thing it does, is drive us towards more use of VAR, for which I think is hugely damaging to the whole football experience. I was sat with an Arsenal fan when they equalised v Palace and he basically didn't celebrate a last minute equaliser for a minute or so until it was deemed okay by VAR. That isn't why I love football. Referees will make decisions we don't agree with. They always have done. They are impartial and much likely to be rational than a fan of a team. They also don't get to view something on replays six times over to understand how you can now see minimal contact to deem it an 'obvious' foul. They ALSO make absolutely clangers, for which they should be punished. These aren't mutually exclusive takes. Inept refereeing should be punished. Fans need to also grow up and realise that not every referee is determined to give decisions against you and that their 'horrific' decision is actually borderline.