How sound is the narration of Ibn Mas'ud regarding his prohibition of remembrance (dhikr) with pebbles, and is there anything that supports it?

Abdullah ibn Masud, may Allah be pleased with him, reproached a group of people who had gathered in circles in the mosque before the prayer. They had pebbles with them, with which they were counting their pronouncements of Allahu Akbar (God is Greater), La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah), and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah). He denounced their action, saying that they were either following a religion more guided than that of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or they were opening a door to misguidance. He advised them to adhere to the Sunnah and reminded them that many who intend good do not achieve it. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had informed that there would be people who recite the Qur'an, but it would not go beyond their collarbones. It later became clear that these individuals were among the Khawarij who fought on the Day of Nahrawan.