Fulham are 2-1 up against Sunderland after a frantic first 45 minutes at the Stadium of Light.
© AP Photos
Ashkan Dejagah was brought down by Craig Gardner but after initially appearing to wave away Fulham protests, referee Mark Halsey elected to award a spot kick.
Berbatov coolly slotted past Simon Mignolet for his 10th goal of the season.
Fulham claimed a two-goal advantage after 33 minutes when Sascha Riether stormed forward to turn home Dejagah's cross on the counter.
Sunderland were handed a lifeline just two minutes later when Halsey pointed to the spot for a second time.
Phillipe Senderos looked bemused after being penalised for a push in the area, with Garnder making no mistake from the spot to reduce the deficit.
