What is the consequence of receiving a red card in a fencing competition?

In fencing, receiving a red card results in a point being awarded to the opponent. A red card is typically issued for serious infractions such as unsportsmanlike behavior or repeated violations after receiving a warning. This means that the offending fencer loses not only the point but could also lose momentum in the competition as their opponent gains an advantage. The issuance of a red card serves as both a sanction against the fencer's behavior and a means to maintain the integrity and sportsmanship of the match.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different penalties or consequences and do not accurately reflect the outcome of a red card. For example, a fencer leaving the competition or receiving a suspension would typically require more serious breaches of conduct or multiple offenses rather than the issuance of a single red card. Similarly, warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct usually precede a red card and would indicate an initial warning rather than a severe penalty which immediately impacts the match score.