Ryan Hampson has cancelled his referee strike over grassroots abuse but is now calling on the rest of English football to implement changes that have been announced by the Manchester Football Association.

The Telegraph revealed last week how more than 800 referees had agreed to strike over verbal and physical attacks, with Hampson detailing how he had been punched, headbutted, spat at and blocked inside a changing room during his first three years of refereeing.

Hampson began refereeing at the age of 14 and only turned 18 earlier this month but was deeply disappointed at the lack of support that he was offered both by his local FA and the national FA.

His story resonated strongly around the country and, following the personal intervention of chief executive Colin Bridgford, Manchester have now taken action. Hampson also wants to meet with the FA’s newly appointed Respect manager, who will be charged with reinvigorated the campaign and ending a culture of abuse.