I’m not sure if I’ve misunderstood the rules but if you’re last man and make a genuine attempt to get the ball then it’s still only a yellow now instead of a red?
Two cases in point
1) Foden v Birmingham was brought down by the last man just outside the area and (which replays proved) and there was no free kick, no card and Birmingham actually got a goal kick
2) Cavani v Burnley was brought down by the last man outside the area and commentators said Burnley are lucky not to be down to 10
men.
Both genuine attempts for the ball.