What action should be taken if a fencer exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct after receiving a prior warning?

When a fencer exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct after having already received a warning, the appropriate action is to issue a red card. A red card serves as a means of penalizing the fencer for their continued misconduct. It signifies a serious violation of the rules and illustrates the referee's authority to maintain fair play and sportsmanship within the competition.

Issuing a red card is crucial for signaling that unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated, reinforcing the importance of adherence to the principles of sport. This action demonstrates to all competitors that while warnings may be given for initial infractions, there are consequences for repeated unacceptable conduct. The result is typically a penalty against the offending fencer, which may involve awarding a point to their opponent, depending on the specific regulations or context of the fencing match.

In contrast, issuing another warning would not reflect the seriousness of the second offense, and invalidating the entire match would be an excessive response for unsportsmanlike conduct unless it significantly disrupted the event. Each warning and card issued plays a key role in regulating behavior and maintaining respect within the sport.